Nikki Jarek, Mugshot Monday singer, cousin to Ashley Sargent
Singer Nikki Jarek has been busy with a labor of love. Jarek, of the band Mugshot Monday, with a little help from her friends, has been organizing a fundraiser.
Jarek’s cousin Ashley Sargent lost her life in a motorcycle accident last month, leaving four children in need of as much support as the local music community can muster. A September 14th bike ride fundraiser will begin at 10:00 am at A-Brews Tap & Grill in Dracut, Massachusetts. Bands will perform after the riders return to the Dracut venue.
The Bike Ride Fundraiser was inspired by the popular music venue, A-brews Tap & Grill, located in Dracut, Massachusetts. Jarek stopped by Abrews two days after her cousin passed away. Abrews was holding an impromptu memorial, which gave Jarek an idea for a second event in honor of Ashley.
Ashley Sargent
“I said to her Fiance’ that I would love to put a ride together for her and he was all for it,” Jarek recounted. With the help of A-Brews’ DJ Blacky Lawless, musician Malcolm Collins, and Abrew-s’ owner, Sonja Abreu, they are going to make it happen.
Ashley grew up with Jarek in Lowell, Massachusetts before Jarek’s family relocated to New Hampshire. Ashley used to bar tend at Abrews and was fond of Jarek’s band. Visits to Mugshot Monday were routine.
“She loved music and always tried to come see my band when she could,” Jarek said. “She came to see us in April.”
Ashley always played a supportive role in the music scene, going to see bands.
“She loved our music set list and enjoyed listening to me sing,” Jarek said. “She wanted to take her mother to see me and she wanted to come but never had the chance. Her mom just told me the other day.”
Ashley was a truck driver, like her dad and her Uncles and Jarek was a welder. “We both are motorcycle enthusiasts and loved music,” Jarek said.
Jarek received a second inspiration, for the Bike Ride Fundraiser, when she learned that the lead singer of Inner Child wanted to organize a fundraiser. Jarek jumped on board. That’s when Jarek reached out to area musician Malcolm Collins for assistance in putting together the particulars of this event.
“He is helping me organize all the bands for that day,” Jarek said.
“He’s very good at putting together benefits for people, so that’s why I reached out to him to help.”
Bands performing at the fundraiser when the riders return to A-Brews will be Wanted, Redline, ODA, Mugshot Monday, Inner Child. The music portion of the event will run from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Nikki Jarek, Ashley Sargent
The event will offer raffles and Jarek has ordered special bracelets for the riders and those who pay at the door, bracelets that have inscribed on the inside Ashley’s date of birth and date of passing. The bracelets are designed with red and black hues.
“Red and black were her favorite colors,” Jarek said.
Bike Run/Fundraiser for Ashley Sargent | Facebook
