Local band the Lucas Haneman Express holding concert fundraiser on Sunday for Ukraine relief

Ottawa band the Lucas Haneman Express has strong connections to Ukraine.

Not only does its drummer come from — and still have family in — the country, but the bass player’s wife’s grandparents are from there, as well as Haneman’s godmother’s family.

Naturally, the band felt like it had to do something, and that something is hosting a concert fundraiser on Sunday, April 10.

The band, which has been together for eight years, describes itself as “bluesy with a funky twist,” and has opened for the likes of the Dave Matthews Band.

But it was after a talk with Haneman’s godmother when he and his wife Megan Laurence got the idea for the concert fundraiser.

As Laurence told The Sam Laprade Show on Friday, April 8, Lucas’ godmother recalled to them that she wouldn’t hear from people for weeks at a time, and there are still some people she hasn’t heard of and doesn’t know if they’re safe.

This resonated with Laurence.

“I was thinking, I can’t imagine that feeling — that level of not knowing whether a family member, cousin or really good friend, is in a shelter somewhere safe or has not made it out,” Laurence said.

“We’ve been grateful to have such amazing support, especially this past week from the community,” Haneman added. “For us, these events happening over in Ukraine, it doesn’t matter who you are, it just hits you.”

The concert is happening at the Brass Monkey from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The show will open with Bone Cat, another local blues band. The Lucas Haneman Express will headline and will be followed by several special guests.

A silent auction will also take place.

Listen to the full interview on The Sam Laprade Show on Friday, April 10 below: