Annual concert looks to rock out cancer
SANDPOINT — Another year brings another chance to hit cancer with a knockout blow, and local organizations are once again banding together to help the fight.
The planners behind the third annual Rock Out Cancer are bringing another round of music, food and fun to the Beyond Hope Resort on July 13. As with previous years, the concert will combine musical performances with the singular purpose of assisting local families affected by cancer. Attendees are welcome to spend an evening relaxing in their boats or on the resort lawn listening to some great music and helping a great cause, organizer Nathan Jeffries said.
“That’s the greatest thing about Sandpoint — the community always steps up to help,” he said.
Organizers are particularly excited for this year’s spectacle, since it’s the first time they’ve been able to book a headliner with a national profile. Singer-songwriter Mason Jennings will lead a ticket of four bands and musicians for a show sure to provide hours of entertainment.
“Just the fact that we managed to get (Mason Jennings) here is amazing,” said Jeffries.
A singer-songwriter with more than a dozen EPs and LPs to his name, Jennings has shared a stage with artists like Modest Mouse, Jack Johnson and Guster throughout his long career. His thoughtful songwriting and infectious melodies have earned him a large following and a national profile, making his presence at the Rock Out Cancer concert an exciting one for organizers.
Jennings will have plenty of support throughout the several-hour concert. The concert will also feature performances by alt country extraordinaire Bart Budwig, local beatbox specialist Davey Mullen — also known by his performing name BioBeat — and To The Moon, a band headed up by Sandpoint musician Jesse Bennett, who also provides all the sound engineering for the event.
“Jesse does the entire technical end of the concert for us, so he’s absolutely essential,” Jeffries said.
Just as musicians are teaming up for the music and businesses for the food, the event itself is the combined effort of several organizations. Across the planning board, Jeffries and Julie Walkington represent Celebrate Life, Tiffany Smith represents Angels Over Sandpoint, Stefanie Nostdahl and Andrea Tyler represent Community Cancer Services and Tami Feyen represents Bonner Community Hospice. The four organizations have worked together over the past three years and have developed quite a rapport in that time.
This year looks to be the biggest year yet, he added, with organizers hoping to see more than 1,000 in attendance. Tickets to Rock Out Cancer cost $25 and can be purchased at Sandpoint Furniture, Eichardt’s, Sandpoint Sports, Ivano’s, Bonner General Hospital or at the event itself. Doors open 4 p.m. July 13 at Beyond Hope Resort and music starts at 5 p.m.
Information: 290-6489 or 255-9628