by Alan K. StoutMusic Columnist
“Concert For A Cause” wants YOU.
We’ve all seen the famous image of Uncle Sam attempting to rally the nation, and for the first time since it began more than a decade ago, this year’s “Concert For A Cause” will also serve the stars and stripes, and all money raised through the event will aid those that have served in the United States military.
This year’s show, “Concert For A Cause 8,” will take place on Thursday, April 22, at The Woodlands. More than 30 acts will perform on four stages in an effort to raise money for United Way Veterans Programs.
And we’re all pretty excited about that.
The history of CFC dates back to 1999 and the first “Concert For Karen,” which was done in memory of Karen Greenberg Revit, continued until 2002, and benefited the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It was first held at the former Jitterbugs nightclub in Edwardsville and then moved to the former Voodoo Lounge in Luzerne. In 2002, it became so big it was moved to The Woodlands Grand Ballroom, and in 2003, it changed its name to “Concert For A Cause” and has aided different local human-services agencies each year.
Since it began, “Concert For Karen/Concert For A Cause” has raised more than $176,500 for various charities, including V.I.S.I.O.N., The Child Development Council of NEPA, Children’s Service Center, Luzerne County Head Start, Wyoming Valley Children’s Association and United Way Autism Programs. Last year, to help note its 10th anniversary, it again aided the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Mayor Tom Leighton officially proclaimed April 22, 2009 “Concert For A Cause Day” in the City of Wilkes-Barre. This was done as a gesture of acknowledgment to the many people — mostly young people — that have made the event one of NEPA’s biggest annual fundraisers.
This year’s show will feature modern rock, classic rock, indie rock, country, metal, reggae, Top 40 and ’80s retro. Performing will be 34 acts: 40-Lb. Head, k8, Bad Hair Day, The Five Percent, Flaxy Morgan, Panacea, M-80, Bret Alexander of The Badlees, Lessen One, Tribes, Go-Go Gadjet, Nowhere Slow, OurAfter, Bliss, Nicole Carey, Iron Cowboy, Farmer’s Daughter, Destination West, Ashfall, George Wesley, The SilenTreatment, The NonRefundables, Lemongelli, Fighting Zero, Underground Saints, Charles Havira, Brian Langan of The Sw!ms, Days Before Tomorrow, Graces Downfall, Plus 3, Miz, Absolution, Shawn Z. and Jeanne Zano.
“Concert For a Cause 8: The Album” will be released on Feb. 4. The special double CD set will feature 27 songs from artists that will be performing at the show. All proceeds from the CD will also aid United Way Veterans Programs. It will sell for only $5 and will be available at all Gallery of Sound stores. A CD-release party will also be held at The Woodlands on Feb. 4. Only 1,000 copies will be pressed. For the past two years, the CD has hit No. 1 on the local Gallery of Sound album charts.
Interestingly, “Concert For Karen” changed its name to “Concert For A Cause” in the spring of 2003, right around the exact same time the United States began its War on Terror in the Middle East. To date, we have lost more than 5,000 servicemen and women. Our country also recently committed to sending 30,000 more troops, to Iraq and Afghanistan, some of whom will remain there for two more years. When some of these people return home, they will need our help. Some who have served in past wars already do.
This year, we will answer the call, just as they have already done.
The “Concert For A Cause” official Web site has also been updated and includes complete info on the show and its history, links to all of the artists on the bill and hundreds of photos from past events. Sponsors of CFC 8 include the Weekender, The Times Leader, 979X, 97BHT, Rock Street Music, Gallery of Sound, WBRE-TV, WNEP-TV, WYOU-TV, Coors Light, Saturation Acres Recording Studio, The Woodlands Inn & Resort, Bedwick & Jones Printing, Fleet Decal & Graphics, Cinram Manufacturing, Anti Rust Records and The United Way of Wyoming Valley.
“Concert For A Cause 8” will offer continuous music from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission to the over-21 event is $7. There will be live radio broadcasts, commemorative T-shirts and a rock auction. As we get closer to the show, we’ll be telling you more about the United Way Veterans programs and exactly what they do to help the local men and women who have served in the United States military. We’ll also be telling you more about the event itself, the upcoming CD and the bands on the bill. For now, though, all you need to do is save the date, mark your calendar early, put a circle around it and clear your schedule. You might even want to tell your boss that you’ll need the next day off from work.
This event – thanks to your support – has become one of the biggest annual musical events of the year in NEPA. And this year, it will help those that have certainly already helped all of us in a most remarkable way.
“Concert For A Cause 8.”
Thursday, April 22.
At The Woodlands.
CFC wants YOU.
w
| Tweet | Follow @wkdr |
|
|
