Dead Sara, L.A. Bands Give Back For “Ritapalooza” Benefit Concert

Last week some of The Sunset Strip’s biggest names came together to support one of their own. Seriously injured in a bicycling accident, The Viper Room’s own longtime door personality, Rita Fiora, was the recipient of an impressive outpouring of generosity by both the show patrons and the staggering bill of talent who donated their time to perform at a benefit concert to raise funds for medical bills.

Headlined by Dead Sara (Sunset Strip Music Festival 2012) with support from Warner Drive, Future Villains and Viper house bands Gunpowder Secrets, Diamonds Under Fire and S.K.A.T.T., the special benefit show sold out almost instantly.

“Rita was always someone that’s been a big fan and a friend from the beginning when we started here,” noted Dead Sara frontwoman Emily Armstrong. “I know that she put the word out about us a lot in the early days. She’s always been very supportive, so when we got asked to do this benefit it was nice to be able to sort of give back.”

The packed to the rafters event raised more than $5,000 for “the Fiora fund,” helping to cover medical bills and other expenses while the beloved Viper mainstay is out of work recuperating.

“The amount of love, support, friendship and sense of community among everyone in attendance was staggering to me,” noted Fiora. “[The] show proved that the rock n’ roll community is real, it's stronger than ever and we take care of our own. The amount of people who came out to support me in my greatest time of need was epic.”

Photo Gallery:
1 & 2: Dead Sara
3: Dead Sara frontwoman Emily Armstrong
4: Rita Fiora (left) with friend Stacy Butler
5: Warner Drive
6: Gunpowder Secrets
7: Donations for Rita
8: Guests cheer Dead Sara