According to organizer Ben London, two benefit shows this weekend at Chop Suey raised $17,000 to help defray the medical expenses of Seattle musician James Atkins (who was diagnosed in October with esophageal cancer).

The bill included incarnations of several bands who helped define the sound and feel of Seattle's first boom period, including the group Atkins played in, Hammerbox, as well as Alcohol Funnycar, Coffin Break, and Selene Vigil from 7 Year Bitch. Though none of these groups made a huge national splash (and maybe partially because they didn't), all were integral to the city's self-identification.

The biggest news (for people who remember that time) was surely the reunion of the surviving members of the Gits—with former Visqueen leader Rachel Flotard standing in for lead singer Mia Zapata, whose 1993 murder left an indelible mark on the consciousness of Seattle music. Videos of Flotard powering through her shredded vocal cords (you try singing those songs) are embedded below.

The money from the shows will be added to the nearly $16,000 that has been raised at the gofundme site for Atkins's treatment, which is still very much open for business.