Most of you probably already know this from Facebook, and I hate to be the barer or bad news, but Escha has been missing for about a week. I figure the more awareness, the better. My thoughts are with his family in this incredibly stressful time.

Alex Beddows went missing on Sat May 7 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alex is from Canberra, and was on holiday with his father. It has now been over a week, and we have had no sign, communication, or sighting of him.

Currently his family are undertaking a search to find him, a PayPal account has been set up to collect donations to assist his family in their time of need. We ask that all those who wish to assist in click the button below and make a donation of whatever amount they can contribute, all money donated will be paid directly from PayPal into a bank account owned by Alex's family and will be used to assist them with their search, it all helps.



http://www.woodysfund.com/

Please check the URLs below for more info:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...16/3217703.htm
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news...s/2163104.aspx
http://bmamag.com/articles/news/2011...ssing-new-orl/

If you know anyone in the New Orleans area, if you could be so kind to share this link with them:

http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/...eking_aus.html

We're putting together a benefit for his family in the next little bit, keep you posted...

(Mods, wasn't really sure if this was appropriate as an actual event)

Okay, so we've put together something for Escha this coming Sunday at Transit. Please read as per below.

***



MUSIC FOR ALEX
Transit Bar, Sunday 22 May

Much loved Canberra man and d'n'b DJ veteran Alex Beddows aka DJ Escha went missing in New Orleans over a week ago. Alex is a popular figure in the Canberra music scene, a veteran DJ, dedicated public servant, and loving friend, always exhibiting his trademark cheeky sense of humor.

Since Alex has gone missing there has been an outpouring of love and support for Alex and his family from the Canberra community. We are very proud to host a fundraising initiative on Sunday 22 May to help raise funds for Alex's family to assist with the search to locate him and bring him home safely.

From 4pm, some of Alex's close friends will play and share music that Alex loves, and provide an opportunity for the community to to come together in solidarity and show their support for his family, during this immensely difficult time. DJs donating their time are Karton, Rees1, Ced Nada, Jemist, D'Opus and renowned vocalist Cris Clucas will also be performing.

Entry is $10 and donations bucket will be also be passed around for those who wish to make extra contribution, with all proceeds given to Alex' family. Please come along to support the search for Alex, hear some fantastic music loved by the man and help keep up the fighting spirit of positivity for his family and friends.

If you can't make the event, and still wish to donate, a Paypal account has been set-up for donations to assist Alex Beddows' family. Please go to the link below to make a donation:

http://www.woodysfund.com/

For more information on the story, please read:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...16/3217703.htm
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news...s/2163104.aspx
http://bmamag.com/articles/news/2011...ssing-new-orl/

If you know anyone in the New Orleans area, if you could be so kind to share this link with them:
http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/...eking_aus.html

***

MUSIC FOR ALEX
w. Karton, Rees1, Ced Nada, Jemist, D'Opus, Cris Clucas and more

Transit Bar
7 Akuna St Canberra City
May 22 4pm-late
$10 entry, all proceeds going to the Beddows family to assist in their search

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=226084987406043

This is a sad but heart-warming thread:

http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/showt...t=16309&page=8

It's great to see so many people in New Orleans do their bit in the search for Esh. Fingers crossed he turns up safe, sound, and sheepish, real soon now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jemist

(Mods, wasn't really sure if this was appropriate as an actual event)

Okay, so we've put together something for Escha this coming Sunday at Transit. Please read as per below.

***



MUSIC FOR ALEX
Transit Bar, Sunday 22 May

Much loved Canberra man and d'n'b DJ veteran Alex Beddows aka DJ Escha went missing in New Orleans over a week ago. Alex is a popular figure in the Canberra music scene, a veteran DJ, dedicated public servant, and loving friend, always exhibiting his trademark cheeky sense of humor.

Since Alex has gone missing there has been an outpouring of love and support for Alex and his family from the Canberra community. We are very proud to host a fundraising initiative on Sunday 22 May to help raise funds for Alex's family to assist with the search to locate him and bring him home safely.

From 4pm, some of Alex's close friends will play and share music that Alex loves, and provide an opportunity for the community to to come together in solidarity and show their support for his family, during this immensely difficult time. DJs donating their time are Karton, Rees1, Ced Nada, Jemist, D'Opus and renowned vocalist Cris Clucas will also be performing.

Entry is $10 and donations bucket will be also be passed around for those who wish to make extra contribution, with all proceeds given to Alex' family. Please come along to support the search for Alex, hear some fantastic music loved by the man and help keep up the fighting spirit of positivity for his family and friends.

If you can't make the event, and still wish to donate, a Paypal account has been set-up for donations to assist Alex Beddows' family. Please go to the link below to make a donation:

http://www.woodysfund.com/

For more information on the story, please read:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...16/3217703.htm
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news...s/2163104.aspx
http://bmamag.com/articles/news/2011...ssing-new-orl/

If you know anyone in the New Orleans area, if you could be so kind to share this link with them:
http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/...eking_aus.html

***

MUSIC FOR ALEX
w. Karton, Rees1, Ced Nada, Jemist, D'Opus, Cris Clucas and more

Transit Bar
7 Akuna St Canberra City
May 22 4pm-late
$10 entry, all proceeds going to the Beddows family to assist in their search

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=226084987406043

This must be supported by all!!! Esch is such a fantasic bloke and has been involved in and done so much for the canberra scene over the last 15+ years..anything that can be done to aid in the search to find him and bring him home safely must be fully backed by the canberra community.

Love you Esch

The show of support and assistance has been overwhelming and we thank everyone for their generosity. Because of you all we have been able raise more money than we thought possible and, on request, we are no longer accepting Paypal donations. All money donated so far will be passed onto Alex's family. Thank you once again.

horrible , i hope there is a break thru soon.
well done on doing this for the family people.

Any new news yet?

I scored some time on NSB radio on Sunday night as well so will do some shoutouts to promote the website.

I'm sorry to be the messenger here people, but here's a statement from Escha's sister Anna:

"Alex Beddows, a 32-year-old public servant from Canberra, disappeared on Sunday 8 May, while on the trip of a lifetime in New Orleans with his father.

Despite extensive investigation by Alex's family and New Orleans police, there has been no further information since Alex was last seen in Algiers Point, New Orleans.

At this stage, New Orleans police believe Alex may have slipped into the flooded Mississippi River. New Orleans police are continuing with their investigation.

The Beddows family would like to thank the DFAT Consular Section and the police and people of New Orleans for their assistance.

The Beddows family is also greatly appreciative of the kindness and generosity shown by Alex's friends and family but ask the media respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Alex's friends and family will gather at Transit Bar in Canberra for 'Music for Alex' on Sunday 22 May, organised by Alex's friends. All proceeds from the event will be donated to charity in Alex's name."

Fuck

Esch

Ah shit

I saw him walk into woolworths about a month ago while I was at the checkout, didn't say hello as I just wasn't in a social mood, so I guess there's a moral in there somewhere.

Your a champ Alex, one of the nicest people I've met while in the dance scene, I enjoyed your music as much as you enjoyed what I did. Sitting next to you while at the A.I. Gig at transit when A.I. pulled of this amazing mix and you just looked at me as though you were in heaven. Good times, good bloke.

Take care buddy.

Yeah, I feel the same Sime. I saw him post on fb about loving the music at the Jazz Festival. I almost responded but was busy/lazy and just thought to myself "Wow, Escha...haven't heard from him in a while. Glad he's enjoying himself".

I doubt that me responding/not responding would have made any difference to the status quo...but can't help but wish I had taken a second to make contact. *sigh*

Still feel indebted to him for all the jungle and dnb he blessed us with! And always loved his kinda shy yet warm and friendly demeanour.

I hope tonight is a fitting tribute, and I wish I could be there with you guys.

Big love. x

Apart from the disappearance of Alex, this thread is sad for so many other reasons.

I'm curious Sime -- what do you mean?

For what it's worth, due to the sudden change of circumstance, the nature of the event changed.

There was no entry fee (which was being 100% donated to the Beddows family anyway). We did have a no-obligations donations bucket there on the day, next to the statement from the family, and all donations from the event are going to be donated to a charity in Alex' name.

It was good to see a whole breadth of people who knew or were aware of Alex' circumstance attending, and it was an opportunity for folk to get together and, well, hang out with each other during this difficult time. As I said to quite a few people on the day "It's rare for any 3 or 4 of us to be in the same room together, let alone all of us, as friends".

The Beddows family were able to meet many of Alex' friends and colleagues, and I'm happy that we able to provide people with that opportunity.

Glad I found my old account...

Not much more that can be said, those that knew Alex are shattered.

Recently one of my original 'top' mates from back in the day went missing whilst on a holiday in New Orleans. Alex Beddows, or 'Woody' to his friends was a stalwart in the capital DJ scene, a pioneer of all things Jungle / Drum & Bass. I met Alex through a mutual friend when I was 18, we had remained mates for 15 or so years since. At the ripe old age of 16 years old he had all the tunes I had never heard and could mix up a storm on par with the best of them.My friendship with Alex grew strong and we started playing gigs together (He had been playing out for a few years previous) under the 'Paf & Escha' moniker. Two separate entities with a common contributing factor, the love of vinyl and the 'Everyday Junglist' culture. I have some very, very fond memories of young Alex, I had his back and he had mine.

Alex went to live in London for a couple of years but returned the same top, friendly bloke.We partied, worked, lived, and existed through each other's pockets for many years until I bought a small business and quit Djing. I sold all my DJ gear and records and concentrated on working while Alex started his public service career and bought a unit. Separately we were doing better than ever but I always missed seeing Alex every day. General life and lumber caused us to drift apart to the point of not being in touch with each other at all. He rang me a month or two ago and I missed the call, I rang the number back not knowing it was Alex and was a little thrown. I was driving so couldn't talk and he didn't remember ringing my phone (Unlocked keypad auto dial).

I have nearly every flyer he was billed on up until 2007 and will scan them all as soon as I can and pass on the originals to his family. Photos and images of Alex are a little rarer, due to no digital cameras back then, but I have found some and am frantically searching for other ones I have to also turn digital. If any of his friends would like to share photos from the past of our dear friend you can PM me here or email 'paffohataoldotcom'. Attending the benefit gig marked the first time I had been out in many, many years and I was very moved by the occasion. His current circle of friends have shown a lot of respect for Alex and his family and bumping into old mutual friends past and present only improved the support structure.

For a long time he was my best mate, and I miss him dearly...

Derek (Paf)

i have a copy of Escha and you "dubplate mixes" still gets a listen weekly in the work truck

I'm glad I went along to this afternoon; I didn't talk to his family because I didn't know what to say, and I now regret it.

Hopefully Alex's name and memories of him are kept alive well into the future.

Im sorry I didnt go.
First time i met Escha was at a Mickey Finn gig at mombasa on a thursday nite, was crazy times. Escha smashed it and played better than Mickey Finn himself- he always played to very high standards and if he had lived in a different city he wouldve been more well known. I have a few photos and flyers over the years, I will dig around and find em.

Well said Paf.

I made the decision not to go on Sunday as I knew I wan't going to be able to control my tears. I regret not going now.

I met Escha in 2005 and he was one of the first people to welcome me into the local drum & bass scene. Of all the people I met during that time, I think you'd be hard pressed to find someone that didn't have a great story/memory involving Alex.

After a few years, when he stopped going to as many gigs, we lost contact and I probably only saw him once or twice a year. The last time I saw him was in the civic iga about a month ago. He didn't see me and could have easily passed by, but I'm so glad that I went to the effort of calling out and stopping him for a chat. And as our last ever conversation, I'll always remember that we both walked away from it with a smile on our face.

Alex, you'll be missed more than you ever imagined

Quote:

Originally Posted by synapse

Glad I found my old account...

Not much more that can be said, those that knew Alex are shattered.

Recently one of my original 'top' mates from back in the day went missing whilst on a holiday in New Orleans. Alex Beddows, or 'Woody' to his friends was a stalwart in the capital DJ scene, a pioneer of all things Jungle / Drum & Bass. I met Alex through a mutual friend when I was 18, we had remained mates for 15 or so years since. At the ripe old age of 16 years old he had all the tunes I had never heard and could mix up a storm on par with the best of them.My friendship with Alex grew strong and we started playing gigs together (He had been playing out for a few years previous) under the 'Paf & Escha' moniker. Two separate entities with a common contributing factor, the love of vinyl and the 'Everyday Junglist' culture. I have some very, very fond memories of young Alex, I had his back and he had mine.

Alex went to live in London for a couple of years but returned the same top, friendly bloke.We partied, worked, lived, and existed through each other's pockets for many years until I bought a small business and quit Djing. I sold all my DJ gear and records and concentrated on working while Alex started his public service career and bought a unit. Separately we were doing better than ever but I always missed seeing Alex every day. General life and lumber caused us to drift apart to the point of not being in touch with each other at all. He rang me a month or two ago and I missed the call, I rang the number back not knowing it was Alex and was a little thrown. I was driving so couldn't talk and he didn't remember ringing my phone (Unlocked keypad auto dial).

I have nearly every flyer he was billed on up until 2007 and will scan them all as soon as I can and pass on the originals to his family. Photos and images of Alex are a little rarer, due to no digital cameras back then, but I have found some and am frantically searching for other ones I have to also turn digital. If any of his friends would like to share photos from the past of our dear friend you can PM me here or email 'paffohataoldotcom'. Attending the benefit gig marked the first time I had been out in many, many years and I was very moved by the occasion. His current circle of friends have shown a lot of respect for Alex and his family and bumping into old mutual friends past and present only improved the support structure.

For a long time he was my best mate, and I miss him dearly...

Derek (Paf)

thanks Paf, that's brilliant and thank you for sharing that


Just want to say that last Sunday was an amazing time and thank you to everyone for coming out.

For all of those who know me, know that I am missing Alex very very much. It was indescribable to have so many close friends and family of Alex together in one place, and the show of solidarity, support and love for Alex and his family was both extremely humbling and very uplifting during an immeasurably difficult time. There was no doubt that Alex is a very much loved and admired person and an exceptional human being who has made a significantly positive impact on all those that he met and blessed with his spirit, cheeky sense of humor, outgoing nature and awe inspiring gift and passion for music.

it's just so shit

no news?

i only knew him as a fan, just a face in the crowd.
he was in my top two something resting in the sound.
beautiful rhythms layered from ground to the clouds.
his sonic wizardry would guarantee a good night out.

Front page of the ABC news site about an hour ago.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...06/3236387.htm

Missing Canberra DJ's body found in US

The body of a Canberra man missing in the United States for almost a month has been found.

Alexander Beddows, 32, from Mawson was holidaying with his father in New Orleans when he disappeared in early May.

He was last seen outside a New Orleans bar, with security vision showing him with several other people at a ferry terminal on May 7.

Police investigating suspected the well-known Canberra DJ and public servant had fallen into the flooded Mississippi River.

His body was found late last week.

Rest well big man.. rest well.

So sad. Sorry for everybody that knew/loved him.

I dont really know what to say, my thoughts are with all of his friends and family...

what an absolute legend. He was just one of those guys who always had time for you and always had a smile on his face, even though as time went on, hope was slowly lost that he would be found ok, it still never seemed like it would end like this.

RIP buddy, i wish i got to know you better

This is such a sad day

R.I.P Alex

R.I.P Thoughts are with family & friends

R.I.P Alex

RIP woody, you will be missed by many

R.I.P Alex 'Escha' Beddows

I love you bro, you won't ever be forgotten...

Benny

So horrible, my thoughts and condolences to Alex and his family.

you'll be missed bro

R.I.P man

R.I.P Alex
I first met Alex at Toast about 6 years ago (thanks Ro for introducing me) and was smitten from the very first word. He was so incredibly sweet and charming and although he wasn't part of my life for very long I feel very privileged to have know him and only have good memories.
I hadn't spoken to Alex in about 4 years but always hoped I would bump into him again and often wondered how he was doing.
Sending my love to his friends and family who I know will miss him very much.

RIP Escha. Will always remember the good times. Can't remember exactly where all the rad sets I saw you play were, but I will never forget the set you and Para did at my 30th and Crowie's 20th birthday in 2003 at that mutha of all house parties in Street Pl, Watson..... around 3-4am, everyone is on acid, Moxey is up the tree out the front, crazy shit going on everywhere, fucking pirates and peter pan and those red dots on the walls and the dancefloor is a jungle going off to the sounds of jungle.

so awesome to see all the love for Esh
thank you everyone

his family are overwhelmed at the amount of love and support that has been shown for Alex by his friends and the Canberra music community

love and miss Alex very very much, absolutely devestated
he is one of the most amazing people I've ever met and it was an absolute honour and priveledge to be able to call him a very close friend

He went out of his way for me on too many occasions to mention and had an immeasurably positive effect on my life, my character and my confidence as a person.

Big ups to Escha
A true down to earth, honest gentleman, with a huge heart, incredible skills on the turntables, an insatiable passion for music, a wicked sense of humour and a bellowing laugh that could transfer a room.

rest well my homey and make the great beyond your own mate
I'll be reppin' you with every passing day and ounce of my energy and spirit