Arlo Guthrie among artists scheduled to perform at benefit show for Northampton fire victims

Guthrie show benefits Northampton fire victims

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — Folk singer Arlo Guthrie has headlined a sold-out concert that raised more than $10,000 for the victims of series of arson fires in western Massachusetts.

Saturday night’s show at the Academy of Music also featured two local bands and other guests, and singer-songwriter Martin Sexton made a surprise appearance.

Michael Kusek, an organizer of the Northampton Neighbors Relief Fund, says the fund had already raised more than $40,000 for those who lost property in a string of 15 fires set in the early morning hours of Dec. 27.

One fire killed World War II veteran Paul Yeskie Sr. and his son, Paul Yeskie Jr.

Anthony Baye of Northampton faces charges including murder in connection with the fatal fire. He has pleaded not guilty.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP) — Folk singer Arlo Guthrie is headlining a sold-out concert this weekend to raise money for the victims of a series of arson fires in western Massachusetts.

Saturday night’s show at the 800-seat Academy of Music in Northampton also features two local bands and other guests.

All proceeds will go to the Northampton Neighbors Relief Fund. Organizers say the fund has already raised more than $40,000 for those who lost property in a string of 15 fires set in the early morning hours of Dec. 27.

One fire killed World War II veteran Paul Yeskie Sr. and his son, Paul Yeskie Jr. Anthony Baye has pleaded not guilty to various charges stemming from that fire, including murder.