They’ll be rocking around more than just the Christmas tree this holiday season, as a who’s who of the rock and roll world will hit the stage to raise money to benefit the less fortunate.
Eddie Money, Joey Belladonna of Anthrax, Terry Ilhous of XYZ, Quiet Riot’s Paul Shortino and Stet Howland of WASP are among the acts scheduled for the upcoming Rock4Xmas concert, with all proceeds being donated to local charities that help families in need enjoy a happy holiday season.
“These stars have already lived that partying, rock-and-roll lifestyle,” said Wayne Morrison, event organizer and head of the Rock4Xmas Foundation. “Now they just want to help.”
The first show is set for Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Hard Rock Café in Uncasville, Connecticut. A Rhode Island show is also set for Sunday, Dec. 7, at a venue to be announced. Rock4Xmas.com will have all the updated show information as it becomes available.
“These shows are always very intimate,” Morrison said. “When the performers aren’t on stage, they’re out meeting the people and signing autographs. They really want to meet the people of the community they’re helping.”
Ticket prices in the past have been kept around the $20 mark, and that’s something Morrison hopes to continue this year as well.
“We know with the way the economy is, it’s hard to find the cash to go out to rock shows,” he said. “We want to keep it affordable, so that people can still get that good feeling from helping others without hurting themselves financially.”
Rock4Xmas already released one benefit CD in the past, with another on the way for this holiday season. Artists on the new disc include the legendary Spencer Davis, Larry Hoppen of Orleans, Shortino, Robbie Dupree, J.K. Northrup, Gary Hoey and Cindy “Rodeo” Steele of VH-1’s “Rock of Love.”
In addition to raising money and collecting other donations for needy families, Morrison is also looking for volunteers to help with the show. In addition, individuals can donate frequent flyer miles to help defray the expense of flying in all the performers. All donations are tax deductible.
Updates regarding the shows and CD will be posted frequently on the foundation’s website, www.rock4xmas.com. The site already features numerous video and audio clips from past events
ABOUT THE ROCK4XMAS FOUNDATION: Started in 1996, the Rock4Xmas Foundation brings food, gifts and the holiday spirit to less fortunate families through donations and benefit events. In addition to collecting donations, the foundation also is directly involved in the distribution. It has been recognized by the federal government with a 509(a)2 tax-exempt status. The website for the foundation is www.rock4xmas.com.