By far my favorite show all year has been La Luz. They’re one of those rare bands with a referential sound that still manages to feel innovative and gutsy (a precious rarity when so many groups sway derivative, “retro,” or kitschy). The songs are sexy and sleepy and mournful and absolutely gorgeous. The musicianship is deliberate but elegantly raw. And the band is simply hypnotic on stage. Seriously, check them out.

Unfortunately, the group’s van was hit by a semi the night before last, totaling their transportation, destroying nearly all their equipment, and injuring members. They’ve been forced to cut their tour short, and their record label has taken up a recovery collection. From their Facebook:

Last night was probably the most terrifying experience of any of our lives. But we’re ok! Thanks for the love and well wishes everyone. We lost a lot of things (pretty much everything we had) and got pretty banged up when we were hit by a semi on our way to Seattle last night, but we’re just awfully glad to be alive and we’ll be back on our feet in no time. For those of you who want to help out financially, Hardly Art set up this paypal to help us pay for some stuff and money we lost. Love to you all!

While no one can tend to every tragedy, I know the folks at Dangerous Minds have the best taste in music. A young, all-woman outfit creating fantastic tunes is the very sort thing we’d all like to support when we can, right? So, if you’d like to donate to their recovery fund, you can do it here (You might have to be logged into PayPal for the link to work). Remember folks, musicians don’t get disability, sick days, or medical insurance. Get well soon, ladies!