Underage

In October, an allegedly drunk driver struck the vehicle Sletager
was driving, putting Sletager in a coma for a number of weeks. “He
fought incredibly hard to live,” says his friend and bandmate Matt
Doctor. “But after many complications, his body began to shut down and
the decision was made to let him go. He was surrounded by many
friends and family at his passing.“

Elphaba were a great band, and Sletager had been a proud supporter
of the local all-ages music scene for many years. It was partly because
of Elphaba that Rome Plow started up in the first place, going on to
release great albums by bands such as the Assailant, Helms
Alee, Blues, and more.

Rome Plow stopped putting out records some time ago, but cofounder
Adam Paysse is bringing the label back for one more—he’s going to
celebrate Sletager’s life by releasing Elphaba’s last record, which the
band never got a chance to release themselves, on limited-edition
vinyl. “Jared was particularly proud of the record and sad it was never
released,” says Doctor.

Friends are also organizing some benefit shows to help his family
cover the medical bills and the cost of the funeral. The first one is
December 5 at the Black Lodge with Navigator vs. Navigator,
Stres, and Happy Birthday Secret Weapon.

RIP, Jared.

Fri Nov 27: The Lonely Forest, Telekinesis, the
Globes at Showbox at the Market, 8 pm, $10 adv/$12 DOS.

Sun Nov 29: Morrissey at the Paramount, 7:30 pm,
$52–$72.

Mon Nov 30: Cold Cave, Former Ghosts at the Vera
Project, 7:30 pm, $9/$8 with club card.

Mon Nov 30: Less Than Jake at Showbox at the
Market, 6:30 pm, $20 adv/$23 DOS.