BENEFIT TO HELP ERIK AUDE.

Byline: Karen Maeshiro Staff Writer

LANCASTER - A benefit concert tonight will raise money to help Erik Aude, a former Bethel Christian High School football star imprisoned in Pakistan while on trial on a drug-smuggling charge.

The concert will be at 5 p.m. at Schooner's restaurant, 43807 15th St. W., to raise money for the 21-year-old actor, who appeared on the WB comedy ``Reba'' and in the movie ``Dude, Where's My Car?''

``It costs money to keep him. If you don't send money, they don't give him food, clothes, anything to sleep on,'' said Sherry Aude, Erik's mother. ``I just sent over eight boxes with winter clothing, a sleeping bag, food, toiletries and books. It would have a cost $800, but a friend was able to get me a discount. Instead it cost $218.''

Sherry Aude said the U.S. embassy in Pakistan informed her that one box has arrived, but it will cost $80 to get it out of customs.

The cost for the benefit is $5 for adults and $10 for people under 21.

Bands that will be performing include Filthy McNasty, Death Died Trying, Angel City Outcasts, Unrully Youth and Off Limits. Most of the bands play punk rock, organizers said.

Sherry Aude said Erik is doing OK.

``Up until recently I was the one comforting him. The last couple of times, I finally have crumbled, and he says, 'Don't cry, Mom, I'm OK; I'm coming home,''' she said.

Erik Aude was hired to pick up leather samples in Islamabad for an importer and said he didn't know eight pounds of opium was hidden inside the lining of his suitcase, his mother said.

He has been inside a Pakistani jail since his Feb. 15 arrest at the Islamabad airport. If convicted, he faces punishment that could range from 10 years' imprisonment to death.