Louis Salgar Memorial Benefit at Churchill's: "He Would've Wanted It Noisy and Chaotic"

The loss of a great man.

On June 23, 2014, Louis Salgar, a beloved son, brother, friend, musician, and bartender, was shot and killed in his own home by an intruder who'd decided to rob the residence at 8551 NE Eighth Court because he needed food and wanted drugs.

The 29 year old's murder was a horrible crime. But this weekend, his family, bandmates, coworkers, and acquaintances will gather at Churchill's Pub for the Louis Salgar Memorial Benefit, "a long day and night of music, drinks, and togetherness" to celebrate the son, brother, friend, musician, and bartender's life.

See also: Louis Salgar Murder: Suspect Identified in Fatal Shooting of Miami Musician and Bartender

Like many people, close friend Adam Huss, one of the organizers of this Saturday's memorial benefit, bonded with Louis through music.

"I've known Louis since we were teenagers," Huss says. "Actually, the first band that I was ever in was the first band that he was ever in."

And like many people, he will always remember Louis as an exceptionally friendly (and "totally rambunctious") guy who loved to "make politically incorrect jokes," play guitar, and pour a drink.

"We're all hurting so much from this monumental loss. And of course, regardless, It's profoundly sad when someone so young gets taken away. But Louis never really had any enemies. He almost never had any issues with anybody.

"This was such a random string of events that led to a tragic thing that's left so many of us without a great son, a great brother, a great friend, a great musician, a great bartender, a great man.

"It's a senseless tragedy. There's no other way to describe the situation."

Yet despite the deep hurt and burning anger, Huss hopes the memorial benefit (with "100 percent of the proceeds going to the Salgar family") will serve as "a celebration of his life, rather than the mourning of his death."

After all, Huss says, "Louis was such an uplifting individual who always made everybody laugh. It would be in ill spirits if we got together for a sad, quiet night, because he was not a quiet guy.

"Louis was a loud, boisterous person. He wouldn't have wanted it to be peaceful. He would've wanted it to be noisy and chaotic and filled with drums, guitars, and people screaming at the top of their lungs."

Louis Salgar Memorial Benefit. With music by Aversion, Bulletproof Tiger, Heavy Drag (members of Lil Daggers), Nude Cap, and Active Navs, as well as raffles from CrossFit Soul, Stacy Laden LMT, and Sports Grill. Saturday, July 19. Churchill's Pub, 5501 NE Second Ave., Miami. A minimum $10 to $20 donation is requested. All proceeds will go to the Salgar family. Call 305-757-1807 or visit churchillspub.com.

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