One thing that I have always admired about our local music scene is the bands’ willingness to give back to the community through benefit concerts. In this episode, I am joined by special co-host A Pro Radio‘s John “The American Hilljack” Lane. John is not only a staunch supporter of the Akron and Western PA Local Scene’s but he is the front man of Akron’s The Hellfire Club. John has played in a ton of charity shows, so we’ll be using his experience as the background for our show. Tune into this episode to learn more about these shows and why musicians are so willing to help out. John Vento, Chris Dittman, and Ozz all joined us in this episode to talk about their respective shows and charities. Rock for Life 17 Back in April we did a show on the history of the Rock for Life Concert Series, be sure to check it out as well. Donations can be made at the Leechburg Moose 102 located at 102 Market St. Leechburg, PA 15656. Mary Ann Vento Memorial Concert aUGUST 21, 2016. John Vento from the Nied’s Hotel Band joined us to discuss the Mary Ann Vento Memorial Concert that benefits the Lupus Foundation that will be held on August 21st at the Baja Bar and Grill in Fox Chapel, PA. Suggested Donation: $10. If you aren’t able to make the show but want to make a donation, please visit the Nied’s Hotel Band website today. Party for the Preemies August 27, 2016 Chris Dittman of the bands Flashback & Rokbot joined us to chat about the Party for the Preemies on August 21st at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille featuring Wexford School of Rock House Band, ZuZu Petals, Slant 6, Flashback, Bon Journey, and Torn & Frayed. The show has a 7pm start time with an $8 cover. It benefits Zoe’s New Beginnings. A Concert for Anna September 2-4th Ozzy chatted with us about A Concert for Anna’s lineup and history. He also gave us some incite into Brittany Zilka’s current situation and how much this concert will help her in her fight with Uterine Carcinosarcoma. The Charities Rock for Life Concert Series Lupus Foundation Zoe’s New Beginnings A Concert for Anna Rock for Life It is the mission of Rock for Life to provide financial support to needy individuals residing in Western PA who are suffering from life threatening diseases. Rock for Life sponsors music festivals and other music-related and general fundraising events to raise the monies necessary to support its purpose. Recipient(s) of support will be determined annually, utilizing selection criteria guidelines as adopted by the Directors. Financial support may be provided to a needy individual or a non-profit organization that supports the mission of Rock for Life. Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania The Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania has a history of service since 1975 and has provided funding for local and national lupus research. The Foundation also provides comprehensive patient services, including support groups and education and awareness activities. For up-to-date information about lupus or to learn how you can help, visit www.lupuspa.org. Zoe’s New Beginnings Zoe’s New Beginnings is a pittsburgh area based non profit organization dedicated to helping parents of premature babies during their first few days at home. We supply the parents with a basket of essential needs. This was created after our daughter, Zoe Joan, was born 8 weeks premature in 2007. We learned along the way the struggles of raising a premature child, and are now making it our mission to help equip future parents for what lies ahead. Zoe is now a healthy 3-year old beautiful, very intelligent little girl, but still deals with problems due to prematurity. If you need someone to help you through this, you are not alone! We want to help YOU in any way we can A Concert for Anna In April 2008, Anna Lee Piroch was diagnosed with cervical cancer. The original Concert For Anna was put together by the local music community, of which Anna was an avid fan, as a way to help her pay her bills while she was unable to work as she battled the disease. Anna knew of the show to be held for her over Labor Day weekend 2008, and looked forward to attending. Sadly, in August 2008, Anna succumbed to the disease… But the music community would not let her spirit die. They came together in an incredibly moving act of kindness and held the show in her honor. When all was said and done, 17 bands had graced the stage that weekend, as well as numerous local businesses donating prizes, etc., and paid for Anna’s funeral expenses. That spirit of generosity and kindness in our local music community lives on in honor of our lost sister Anna, as a continual way to help others in our area in her name. Please help us every Labor Day weekend as we make a difference in someone’s life and ease the struggle that unfortunate circumstances can bring.