Josh Hostage Memorial Benefit Show

Every music scene and every community has a couple big personalities that everyone knows on a first name basis. Josh was one of those people.

He was taken from his friends and loved ones by a hit and run driver. He was walking along a stretch of highway 98 in Fort Walton and the worst possible outcome occurred.

I’ve tried to sit down and figure out how many times I’ve seen Holding GOD Hostage, Josh’s band, over the years. And frankly, I’m not sure. I’ve seen them at tiny dive bars and the biggest local stages – and the stories predate my knowledge of the scene by many years.

As our music scene does, a benefit for Josh’s mom will take place Saturday, January 23rd. (See the facebook event page for additional details.) Last I understood, a live stream of the event will take place as well. Hats off to the organizers who put together this event – and all those donating their time and energy.

I’ll miss your grin and snarky sense of humor, Josh. You always had a story, a laugh, and a bear hug for me.

-Nikki

About 850ME

850ME stands for 850 Music & Entertainment. We are based in the panhandle of Florida, getting the 850 part of our name from the local area code pre-fix. The site aims to shine a light on local, regional, and even national artists. We started with a sole focus on the music community in 2011 and in 2013 we expanded to include other forms of entertainment. We feature a growing team of talented photographers and writers - and hope you will be a part of this wonderful journey with us.

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