You may ask yourself "Who is Christel Wagner?"
when you should really be asking yourself "Where do I know her from?"...
Christel Wagner has been a permanent fixture in the Detroit rock scene since 1977. An honorary member of Detroit's Blues Society for over 15 years, she has been many things to many people. Some remember her in her earlier, wilder days as "Christel the Pistol"; that whirling dervish of long, red hair rocking out on the dance floor, commanding a space of her own in front of live bands. Those who don't know her so well may find themselves intimidated by her deep, husky voice, thick German accent and brash honesty. She may even have been the one who once told you that your band sucked! But those of us close to her know her as loyal supporter of Detroit music and art, a rescuer of abused, abandoned and injured animals, and a thoughtful friend who never forgets a birthday! Did I mention she can bake a mean batch of cookies? She is an honest soul with an independent spirit and a heart of gold! And judging by the magnitude of well-known talent involved in the "Rock for Christel" fundraiser, it is evident how many lives she has touched.
More recently, she was a dear friend to Julie Hecker who passed away, tragically in Christel's home, and shortly before her cancer diagnosis.
Born on Christmas Day 1956, in the city of Babenhausen, Germany, her strict, Catholic upbringing and tumultuous childhood set the course for her rebellious love for rock'n'roll.
Christel Wagner has been a permanent fixture in the Detroit rock scene since 1977. An honorary member of Detroit's Blues Society for over 15 years, she has been many things to many people. Some remember her in her earlier, wilder days as "Christel the Pistol"; that whirling dervish of long, red hair rocking out on the dance floor, commanding a space of her own in front of live bands. Those who don't know her so well may find themselves intimidated by her deep, husky voice, thick German accent and brash honesty. She may even have been the one who once told you that your band sucked! But those of us close to her know her as loyal supporter of Detroit music and art, a rescuer of abused, abandoned and injured animals, and a thoughtful friend who never forgets a birthday! Did I mention she can bake a mean batch of cookies? She is an honest soul with an independent spirit and a heart of gold! And judging by the magnitude of well-known talent involved in the "Rock for Christel" fundraiser, it is evident how many lives she has touched.
More recently, she was a dear friend to Julie Hecker who passed away, tragically in Christel's home, and shortly before her cancer diagnosis.
Born on Christmas Day 1956, in the city of Babenhausen, Germany, her strict, Catholic upbringing and tumultuous childhood set the course for her rebellious love for rock'n'roll.
A wild child raised on Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and the Who, her next plan of action was to escape.
At the age of 19, Christel moved to the United States.
At the age of 19, Christel moved to the United States.
Searching for stability, she settled at a farm in Wisconsin where she raised pigs for 3 years. In 1977, she succumbed to her passion for rock'n'roll and moved to Detroit where the rock scene was "happening". The rest is history and survival.
As of September 2010, Christel was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
As of September 2010, Christel was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Without insurance or the support of a spouse, she's had to apply for Medicaid and food stamps, and has had to give up her job. Unable to keep any of the money she's had in savings, neither is she able to accept Paypal donations, as it would interfere with the Medicaid. Thus, the need to raise as much cash as possible with this benefit!
Despite all the complications and allergic reactions of a colostomy, chemo therapy and radiation, Christel has maintained not only strict supervision over her own hospital care, but also a stubborn and courageous will to live, with yet a loving heart toward God and the faith that this time next year, she will be cancer-free!
We will be promoting the benefit on WHFR's Motor Live Drive program, on Thursday, January 13th from 4-5pm where some of the bands' music will be featured. Donations for auction and/or raffle are still being accepted. We are still seeking someone willing to video tape the show!!! Donations in the form of a check can be made out to Karen Neal, and will be cashed on Christel's behalf!
Despite all the complications and allergic reactions of a colostomy, chemo therapy and radiation, Christel has maintained not only strict supervision over her own hospital care, but also a stubborn and courageous will to live, with yet a loving heart toward God and the faith that this time next year, she will be cancer-free!
We will be promoting the benefit on WHFR's Motor Live Drive program, on Thursday, January 13th from 4-5pm where some of the bands' music will be featured. Donations for auction and/or raffle are still being accepted. We are still seeking someone willing to video tape the show!!! Donations in the form of a check can be made out to Karen Neal, and will be cashed on Christel's behalf!
More details at :
www.thequeenbee.org/rockforchristel.html
Benefit is on Saturday, January 15th at Small's in Hamtramck
www.thequeenbee.org/rockforchristel.html
Benefit is on Saturday, January 15th at Small's in Hamtramck
www.smallsbardetroit.com
Small's Bar 10339 Conant St, Hamtramck, MI 48212 (313) 873-1117
All Ages
Doors @ 6pm -Music starts at 6:25pm
Cover: $5.00
before 10pm
$10.00 after
Rock ' n' Raffle & Art Auction
Featured Artists:
NIAGARA
CARL LUNDGREN
LISA VICIOUS
CHRIS LEVITAN
Gift Certificates from:
NOIR LEATHER
Handmade items from:
GIRL ON TOP SHOP
SUSAN BERG
Signed copies of "Everyday Single Mom"
(daily inspirational) book by author:
BRIAN SHELL
Gig posters will also be sold to raise $.
Sponsored by
MOTOR LIVE DRIVE on WHFR.fm
A rare, live recording of the Orbitsuns will also be auctioned courtesy of
MOTOR LIVE DRIVE on WHFR.fm
http://whfr.fm/station/programs/motor
Benefit featuring:
THE ORBITSUNS
SHAKEY JAKES
CHAPSTIK
TH3YN3V3RSL33P
SWITCHBLADE JUSTICE
LAVA MOTH
1931 IN TELEVISION
THE PHAGE
BAD HOUSES
Acoustic sets by:
Kate and Dave from
THE BLUEFLOWERS
BRIAN SHELL
Special Guest Hosts:
MOTOR CITY RAH-RAHS
Small's Bar 10339 Conant St, Hamtramck, MI 48212 (313) 873-1117
All Ages
Doors @ 6pm -Music starts at 6:25pm
Cover: $5.00
before 10pm
$10.00 after
Rock ' n' Raffle & Art Auction
Featured Artists:
NIAGARA
CARL LUNDGREN
LISA VICIOUS
CHRIS LEVITAN
Gift Certificates from:
NOIR LEATHER
Handmade items from:
GIRL ON TOP SHOP
SUSAN BERG
Signed copies of "Everyday Single Mom"
(daily inspirational) book by author:
BRIAN SHELL
Gig posters will also be sold to raise $.
Sponsored by
MOTOR LIVE DRIVE on WHFR.fm
A rare, live recording of the Orbitsuns will also be auctioned courtesy of
MOTOR LIVE DRIVE on WHFR.fm
http://whfr.fm/station/programs/motor
Benefit featuring:
THE ORBITSUNS
SHAKEY JAKES
CHAPSTIK
TH3YN3V3RSL33P
SWITCHBLADE JUSTICE
LAVA MOTH
1931 IN TELEVISION
THE PHAGE
BAD HOUSES
Acoustic sets by:
Kate and Dave from
THE BLUEFLOWERS
BRIAN SHELL
Special Guest Hosts:
MOTOR CITY RAH-RAHS