On Saturday, February 1, local musicians and bands are gathering at Strangeways Brewing for the Eric Becker Memorial Concert benefiting the Fredericksburg SPCA.
A member of Radar Theory, bandmate Johnny Boothe said Becker was known for being genuinely caring to everyone in his life. He “loved his friends, his family, and his wife Kathleen deeply,” Boothe said.
Becker and Boothe met in 2021 at an Adventure Brewery Open Mic night and decided to form a band called Radar Theory.
In the fall of 2022, Becker noticed chest pain during a rehearsal and went to the hospital a few days later. He was diagnosed with cancer and began aggressive treatment immediately. Becker had several months of treatment and seemed to be doing well for a few months in 2023 before his cancer returned.
Becker proposed to his girlfriend Kathleen in October and they married in November. After an illness and brief hospitalization, Becker passed away shortly after Christmas.
Booth said “Playing and writing music with Eric was a gift. There’s a bond in creating something with others, sharing it with the outside world and risking the world telling you how awful it is. But sometimes, they also tell you how it meant something to them. You take that ride together.”
In 2024, Boothe and other local musicians joined and played live at a Celebration of Life honoring Becker. Afterward, they discussed holding a memorial concert in January to honor his memory and give back somehow. The concert was scheduled around Becker’s January 27 birthday. Strangeways was chosen for their support of the local music scene and for their ability to host live music and large crowds.
Eric’s wife, Kathleen, works at the Fredericksburg SPCA and supports animal rescues.
The concert will feature six performers and bands: Emily Woodhull, Sarah Perrotto, Green Bean & The Rhythmic Meadows, and Richmond band Bucko.
In addition to the live music, the event will feature raffles of gift card bundles from local breweries, wineries, and restaurants. Boothe said they were grateful for the generosity of local businesses.
Boothe said honoring Becker by combining music with the SPCA just made sense. Becker was passionate about music, people, and animals.
Boothe said he’s hoping for an excellent audience for Saturday’s concert. “Without them, we’re just up there on stage having band practice. The audience is everything.” He hopes they recognize being part of the tribute to Becker and “realize the impact they make every time they go out and support local music and local business.”
The Eric Becker Memorial Concert will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at Strangeways Brewing. The brewery is located at 350 Lansdowne Road. Food truck Rosie’s Pizza & Doner Kebab will arrive at 1 p.m.
Donations can also be made to the Fredericksburg SPCA in Becker’s name.
The Fredericksburg SPCA Fur Ball Gala will be held Aug. 24 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center.
This year’s theme is Old Vegas, in the style of the Rat Pack. In addition to a silent and live auction, the 6 p.m. event will feature specialty cocktails and entertainment casino games.
As of July 20, approximately 100 tickets were left. Last year’s event brought in almost 500 attendees.
This is the ninth year of the ball, which has brought in over $1 million for the animal shelter. Fredericksburg Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) took in 1,180 animals in 2023. They were able to adopt 1,144 and return 21 to their owners.
Tickets for the gala can be purchased online.
