Former bandmates of UCCS shooting victim perform at benefit concert

Austin Sack
·2 min read

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) community continues to grieve after the Feb. 16 campus shooting that left two people dead. Police have identified the victims as Samuel Knopp and Celie Rain Montgomery.

Knopp was a passionate musician and was studying music at the university when he was gunned down inside his dorm room. According to family and friends, the 24-year-old was a talent taken too soon, and now one Colorado musician is honoring Knopp in a special way.

The benefit concert was on April 26 at Sunshine Studios in Colorado Springs. Doors opened at 6:00 p.m.
The benefit concert was on April 26 at Sunshine Studios in Colorado Springs. Doors opened at 6:00 p.m.

“When we heard about Sam’s passing, we decided that it was only right to hold a benefit concert to honor his life because he was actually the longest lasting guitarist in the band,” said Anthony Scornavacco, lead drummer.

Community reacts after two found dead in UCCS dorm room

Scornavacco said he is stunned by the news, but he and his former bandmate are forever bonded by their passion for music. Scornavacco is now hoping to heal heavy hearts with a benefit concert that will celebrate the life and musical legacy of Knopp.

“To be honest, we’re all nervous because the show is almost sold out,” Scornavacco said.

The concert will feature several performances, special tributes, a moment of silence and a special guitar raffle. Scornavacco told FOX21 that he has communicated with Knopp’s mother about the benefit concert.

“She was floored,” Scornavacco said. “She specifically said there’s no better way you could have honored my son than through music, because it was his biggest passion.”

The benefit concert was on Friday, April 26 at Sunshine Studios in Colorado Springs. The show began at 6:30 p.m. Scornavacco said his band is donating 50% of ticket proceeds to Knopp’s family, and he’s also raffling a guitar with 100% of those proceeding going to the family.

The venue holds 800 people, and Scornavacco said the goal was to sell it out.

“Music is about bringing people together,” Scornavacco explained. “Means a lot to us that we get to carry on his name and, you know, keep him alive in spirit.”

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