By Kaytlan Camarero

SilverMine, a local rock band founded in 2010, performs classic hits that we all remember and love like “I Love Rock and Roll” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, “Lights” by Journey and “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band can often be found performing at places in or near La Mesa including Bolt Brewery.

SilverMine provides more than a good time and good music though, as they also show their support for the community by volunteering at various charity events including Relay for Life events, which supports the American Cancer Society, as well as at a Ronald McDonald House. Giving their time and music to these types of events brings the band closer to the community, creating personal connections and giving an opportunity for people to let their hair down and enjoy themselves. The reason for SilverMine’s dedication to these events, though, has recently become tremendously personal for some of the band members.

EV Trivoli, a founding member of SilverMine, recently experienced a real personal connection to how important American Cancer Society is, Relay for Life is, even Ronald McDonald House for people trying to fight this battle against cancer. Trivoli’s 2-year-old grandnephew was recently diagnosed with clear-cell sarcoma of the kidneys, and the affect has been enormous on her family as well as the band. In an effort to do her part, Trivoli has followed the guidelines of an inspiring motto: “Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.” In their journey to do something, Trivoli and SilverMine are doing what they do best to add spirit and joy to the fight against cancer.

These volunteer gigs have also given SilverMine the opportunity to connect with people, creating new bonds that strengthen their community outreach. Band member Tom Doogan, drums, expressed his love for “connecting with [the] audience and seeing them actually enjoying” the music and the show. When asked which moment was considered a favorite for SilverMine, Doogan and Trivoli agreed that “it’s a series of all little moments that stand out…We make a lot of personal connections with people and I think that’s what makes us a little different.”

California State Senator Joel Anderson highlighted SilverMine’s outstanding volunteerism by providing Senate certificates of recognition to SilverMine’s members.

“Groups like SilverMine remind us all to do our own part in the community,” Anderson said. “I am grateful to have this talented group in my district that are making a positive difference and inspiring others to do the same.”

Doogan was grateful for the recognition.

“What we do seems so insignificant to what other people do…But everybody’s got something to give and this is our little thing to give,” he said. “Better to give something little than nothing.”

—Kaytlan Camarero is a legislative intern for California State Senator Joel Anderson.