Benefit concert raises money for Mukilteo shooting victims' families



EVERETT, Wash. – Music and laughter are two things organizers of a benefit concert hope to bring to a grieving community.

It’s been nearly a month since three Mukilteo teens were shot and killed at a house party.  Friday night, people who knew Jake Long, Anna Bui and Jordan Ebner gathered for a benefit concert at the Historic Everett Theater for their families.

The co-owner of the Historic Everett Theater lived in Mukilteo for 10 years and his daughter graduated from Kamiak High School.  That’s the same school as the three teens and the alleged gunman. The goal Friday night was to bring some joy to those grieving and raise money for the families who had to endure unexpected financial costs.

“Starry Knights” is the high school group Anna Bui once sang in.  The remaining group members sang one of her favorite songs, "Imagine", requested by her sister.  The song is in memory and to celebrate the joyful lives of three teens cut short.

“I remember we texted each other when we found out the news, our whole group right away,” said Anna’s friend Micailah Moore.

“We were all so close with Anna and we are all feeling the same kind of way and now reconnecting and talking our feelings out,” said Anna’s friend Cherie Ruan.

Many feelings appeared after the three were shot and killed July 30 at a Mukilteo House Party.

“I can’t fathom what I would go through if this happened to one of my kids,” said The Historic Everett Theater co-owner Curt Shriner.

But through the laughter…

“Laughter, of course, I mean that’s a given if you can laugh, no matter what it makes you feel better,” said Shriner.

“The memories are really strong when we’re singing songs that we used to sing with Anna,” said Moore.

Now a broken community can piece life back together.

“If they could have just one night of getting together with the community and enjoy themselves -- laugh a little bit, dance a little bit, sing a little bit then we did our jobs,” said Shriner.

Organizers say they didn’t have any expectations for Friday night. You can still donate to the families after Friday night’s concert by dropping off funds at the Historic Everett Theater.