Just one year ago, the Skyway Bar and Grill lost a good friend in Josh Wuerth,
a local musician who often played there in his numerous bands.

After his death, the staff was left trying to figure out how to make sense of it,
and their resulting tribute will be a fundraiser this month to benefit the
Welches School music program.

“He was a really humble guy, so he might be a little embarrassed by it,” said
Jason Hornor, the chef and general manager at Skyway, adding that Josh
would be “really proud at the same time. We just want to celebrate his life
and his impact on us.”

The event, “Music: It’s Wuerth It,” will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at the
restaurant, 71545 Hwy. 26 in Zigzag, featuring auctions, raffles and music by
Keegan Smith & The Fam, Acoustic Minds and the Steelhead Stalkers, Fingers
& Chilly. Admission is $10 and includes two raffle tickets.

Hornor noted that Josh played with each of the bands on the bill for the
fundraiser, while also working in the music industry doing sound and lights,
and of course, always playing music.

“He played music all day every day,” said Hornor, who knew Josh for 10
years. “He played a mean guitar.”

Tracie Anderson, owner of the Skyway with her husband, Tom Baker, noted
that Wuerth had numerous talents, including gardening, golfing, skiing, glass
blowing and also helped build the pergola and mountainscape fence at the
restaurant.

“Anything he did, he was really good at it; he was so cool,” said Anderson,
adding that he was the “best food critic” and whenever he told them
something about their food, they took it to heart.

Hornor added that it is fitting that the event benefits the music program, as
Josh taught kids how to play the guitar, some of whom have gone on to play
the open mic night at Skyway.

“Josh was always really excited about sharing his talent with younger kids,”
Hornor said.

For more information, email Tracie at SkywayZigzag@gmail.com.