Reach for the Sky

DJ Sky doesn’t need friends

in high places — the ones he has have done more for him than he could ever ask of them. On March 1, 2002, Sky (aka Brent Wilks), was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Upon hearing the news, his teammates in the Orlando, Fla.-based DJ crews DeadBeatRecordings.com and Headrush formed Team Skywalkers to participate in an MS Walk on Sky’s behalf. Following suit, his Atlanta-based crew, Second Sight Productions, adopted the Skywalkers moniker for an Atlanta walk. The second walk gave rise to a benefit concert that united Atlanta’s music and visual arts communities to raise money for the National MS Society.

Coordinated by Sky’s close friend Rubi Cuautle, last year’s benefit at Lenny’s raised $4,300. With this year’s event taking over the entire MJQ complex, and armed with an arsenal of merch for sale, Cuautle is “hoping to bring in $8,000 this year.”

Occupying MJQ’s main room, cafe and the Drunken Unicorn, this year’s benefit will host a variety of performances. Everyone from local rock and hip-hop acts — including Psyche Origami, Mars Ill, the Partisan and Rizzudo — are on the bill. Additionally, presentations from several artists and DJs will hold the stages.

DJ Sky will spin a set of underground hip-hop with the occasional ’80s pop hit worked into the mix as well.

“In hip-hop culture, you don’t see the compassionate side of people very often,” says Sky. “When I was diagnosed, I saw the compassionate side of my friends and it meant a lot to me.”

The second annual MS Benefit is at MJQ/Drunken Unicorn Thurs., May 27. $10.