‘Rock for Relief’ raises $576

Local musicians got involved in the flood relief effort Thursday by doing what they do best – playing music.\nThe Bluebird held a “Rock for Relief” concert Thursday evening and raised $576 for the Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross. \nA $5 entry fee went to the organization and event organizers placed Red Cross jars near cash registers where concert attendees could donate money. The organizers also had boxes near the bar entrance where attendees could donate canned foods, clothing and water to the Red Cross. \nConcert organizer Dan Coleman said he did not have a particular monetary goal in mind for the fundraiser, but he wanted to provide entertainment while rasing money for a good cause. Coleman said he felt it was important for locals to help each other in a time of crisis, and he knew it could be done through holding a concert.\n“It worked out well,” he said. “We made good money, and we had a good time.”\nThe bands who performed in the concert were Built for Comfort, Fatted Calf String Band, Grabitas, Good Luck, Race Bannon and Shaggy Wonda.\nGuitar player Greg Simpson has played with Grabitas for almost two years. He said he was glad to have the opportunity to play music for a good cause and said he was humbled to work with the other musicians.\n“It’s a really good cause,” he said. “And I’m glad to be with some of my favorite bands in town.”\nDespite a small crowd at the start of the concert, Coleman said the concert attracted more than 150 people. Some concert attendees were regular patrons at the Bluebird, but some heard about the concert through advertisements and wanted to help with the relief effort.\nAttendee Mark Richardson said he heard about the concert through Facebook. Richardson said he decided to attend the concert because his entry fee would go to the Red Cross.\n“We had no control over the situation, so we do what we can,” he said. “The Red Cross is the best agency to accept funding.”\nSeniors Jill Wagner, Kate Eckman and Alli Matheis knew a band member from Grabitas and came to support the band and the concert’s cause. They all agreed the community should do what it can to help flood victims in Monroe and surrounding counties.\n“The community in of itself is doing something,” Eckman said. “It’s a great cause.”\nBuilt for Comfort drummer Paul Karaffa has played with the band on and off for 10 years. He said after seeing the damage of the floods, he wanted to do something but didn’t know what. When the band received the call from Coleman to participate in the concert, they immediately jumped on the opportunity.\n“I really feel for everyone who lost everything,” he said. “It’s great to come back to the Bird and do something like this.”