Feb 2, 2007 By Jean Lohr For The 3 min read

If you listen to Sonia Minghi, the benefit concert for the family of the late David “Puff” Lancaster is becoming a family reunion of sorts. “Puff had a reputation as an accomplished bass player, and played in many bands,” said Minghi of Uniontown. “He was so well liked that now all the musicians in all the bands are coming together for this one concert.”

Minghi and her husband, Armand, of Uniontown first met Lancaster more than 10 years ago.

“None of us can believe what has happened,” she said. “He was such a talent, and we really enjoyed his company. … He was just a great person.”

Lancaster died in Garrett County, Md., in early December under circumstances that are still being investigated.

“His life came to a tragic end that night,” Minghi said.

His brother, Paul Lancaster, was the first to approach Minghi about raising money for the family.

“When you are as young as he was when he died, you really don’t think about insurance,” she said of David Lancaster, who was 29 at the time of his death.

“His family has just been devastated,” she said. “This tragedy has left them with a tremendous financial burden.”

Menghi used her talent for organization to get the ball rolling.

The benefit concert – they’re calling it “Puffalooza” – will be staged Feb. 10 – at White Tavern on Route 51 in Smock. The doors open at 2 p.m. and a ticket includes all-day entertainment and a free buffet.

“We want this to be a celebration of Puff’s life,” said Minghi who noted that Feb. 10 was “Puff’s” birthday.

Already booked for the event are: Red Rum, Pivot, Chastity, Blacklist, Blacktooth Grin and the Hillbilly Review, which includes Lancaster’s father, Howard, brother, Jamie, and uncle, Chuck.

There will be a special appearance by Skin-n-Bonez and Minghi hints that giveaways and other surprises are in the works. All proceeds will benefit the Lancaster family.

“He has three little children,” Minghi said.

David “Puff” Lancaster, who was born in 1977, was exposed to music from birth. He picked up his first guitar at age 6, but switched to playing bass when he was 14.

“Music was a family thing,” Minghi said.

She feels it’s fitting to use music to help the family.

“We (all the bands) are not just friends, we are all family,” she said. “And when it comes to this event, I hope all goes well. And I can only hope we raise thousands and thousands of dollars.”

Tickets can be purchased at White Tavern, from any band member or by calling 724-557-5187. Checks may be made out to the David “Puff” Lancaster Memorial Fund. They can be sent to P.O. Box 173, Addison PA 15411. Somerset Trust in Confluence is handling the account.

For more information about the benefit concert for the family of David “Puff” Lancaster, call Minghi at 724-557-5187.