The show must go on.
A band from New Orleans took the stage in Petaluma on Tuesday night, just hours after losing their equipment and belongings after their van was broken into in San Francisco.
Sweet Crude initially planned to call it quits, but the kindness of strangers allowed them to play their set at Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma.
Band members admitted when they found their touring van broken into at Market and Jones streets in the South of Market neighborhood, they were ready to wave the white flag.
Band members said the loss of luggage, computers, microphones and two Barcus Berry violins was too much.
But Sweet Crude changed it's tune when managers and family members encouraged them to keep playing. And strangers stepped in to help.
"We were able to pull off some impossible feats today thanks to our management pushing us,"band member Sam Craft said. "Thanks to Lagunitas for being nice and giving us clothes to wear."
Local
Another stranger loaned Craft a violin. They bought new computers, and supporters at the show chipped in to keep the music going.
"They're doing phenomenally," one fan said. "Even if I didn't like their music, I'd buy something. But they are fantastic. So now I'm buying a shirt to support the group."
That support will keep the band on the road.
"For every horrible person out there, there are a thousand amazing people," Craft said. "This is what it teaches you; we are grateful."
