Paragraph Slam Night
Nathan Joyner and Alia Jyawook
Nathan Joyner is a man of many musical projects, none of which spawned his nickname, "Bonk," a name that's stuck to him like iron-on letters to a T-shirt.
“I had these extra letters and I was trying to figure out a word,” he says. “A friend of mine said it makes 'Bonk,' so I ironed it on a tank top and wore it all the time.”
Joyner's perhaps best known for playing in electro-punk act All Leather with Justin Pearson, but he's also played in Some Girls, Hot Nerds and Leg Lifters, and produced and remixed tracks with DJ Mike Delgado as part of the duo Ese' & Zain.
But his musical pursuits ground to a halt last September when he was hit by a car while crossing Washington Street in Hillcrest. He's currently in a wheelchair, unable to work and saddled with more than $700,000 in hospital bills. To help cover his medical costs, Joyner's friends have organized Bonkfest, a benefit show that'll go down at The Void (3519 El Cajon Blvd.) on Tuesday, March 12, with performances by Tiny Telephones, Secret Fun Club, East of Sweden and DJ Mike Delgado.
The event was organized by Joyner's girlfriend, Alia Jyawook, who plays in Tiny Telephones, and Jim Prisco, a tattoo artist who runs local label Electric Habbits.
“Her and Jim put the whole thing together, so they really have busted their asses, and it’s impressive how much they’ve pulled together,” Joyner says. “It’s the community and friends that have been very accommodating, sympathetic and helpful.”
Joyner recently underwent a third surgery. His recovery has been a long process, but he says it's been easier because of the support he’s received.
“I have a good family unit and my girlfriend has been amazing,” he says. “She’s taking care of me, taking me to doctor appointments, making sure I eat, sleep and just kind of watching over me.”
Bonkfest begins at 9 p.m., and there's a minimum $3 donation at the door. There will also be food, a silent auction and a raffle with gift cards and prizes from Whole Foods and Guitar Center, among others.
