Concert for a cause: Bands rock Capha Park for Red Cross benefit

On Friday afternoon, Capaha Park will be alive with the sound of music -- and for a good cause. At least nine musical acts are performing at the park to benefit the Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Cody Wicker, booking agent with Dirty Hall Promotions, organized the benefit concert. Wicker's band, Of Silence and Salvation, is just one of the groups scheduled to perform. Others include Isabella, Left On Sprigg, Basement On a Hill, The Skies Proclaim, John vs. Stairs, With or Without and We Came From Embers.

The concert starts at 2 p.m. Friday. The cost is $5, but donors at Monday's blood drive at the VFW and Tuesday's drive held by Withers Broadcasting were to receive free tickets to the event. Wicker said the proceeds go directly to the Red Cross of Southeast Missouri.

"The set goal was 25 people," said Tara Allee, associate donor recruitment representative at the local chapter. She later reported that 18 people came and Red Cross workers collected 13 units of blood.

Allee said there would not be a blood drive set up at the concert. They cannot set up a blood drive outside because of the heat, Allee said.

Wicker said the benefit concert reinforces the blood drive's theme, "and the beat goes on." Allee said the theme is a campaign for some of the summer blood drives and media drives, including both blood drives this week.

"The objective is to get high school kids to come out and donate in the summer," she said. Wicker "took it upon himself to give the high school and college students an extra incentive to come with the concert. He totally went above and beyond to find these bands to play as a benefit."

Matt Kirn, guitarist for local rock group Basement On a Hill, said the benefit concert carries extra significance for the group.

"We are really into giving back. We donate money from shirts we sell to various charities, and we don't mind playing a show for a charity as well," Kirn said. "Additionally, the music scene currently leaves some to be desired, and we are working hard on trying to revitalize the scene with other bands like Left on Sprigg and Isabella that are both playing at the event."

Basement On a Hill describes its music as grunge/indie/post punk. Wicker said there will be a variety of music performed at the event.

"All of the bands are really excited to play this show," Wicker said. "If you like alternative rock, metal, jam-band, hard-core or just like really loud noise, you'll be in heaven. If not, then it's a big concert that is potentially free."

Wicker said the event is also a good chance for himself and some of the younger rockers to show the community what they are really about.

"A lot of people take us as the kids that throw trash cans at buildings and start looting, when really, we're just a bunch of teenagers who like to have fun playing music."

WANT TO GO?

* What: Red Cross benefit concert

* When: 2 p.m. Friday

* Where: Capaha Park