PITTSBURG, Kan. — Five bands are scheduled to rock out for a good cause this Saturday on the patio at 5th Street Bar and Grill. Rotarians are hoping for another record-breaking year for the Rotary Rocks Out Hunger, a music-driven event that benefits The Lord’s Diner.
Last year, the event raised $4,700 for The Lord’s Diner, which was double the funds collected in years past.
“We've tried different venues for years, and last year, clearly, with Fifth Street and the beautiful weather, we know that we landed on where we want to be and where we need to be in the future,” Event Organizer Jon Bartlow said about the success of the event.
This year, Bartlow said the group is shooting for a total of $5,000.
Entry into the event is $10 and 100 percent of all the funds goes to The Lord’s Diner. Rotary members will begin collecting donations at 4:30 p.m., and music will start at 5 p.m. with singer Robbi Bell. The J3 Band will play covers from the ‘60s ranging to the ‘80s from 6 to 7 p.m., then The Bonnie Situation will perform ‘90s alternative music from 7 to 8 p.m. From 8 to 9 p.m. a new band 8-bit Retrofit will play ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s alternative and pop music. For the grand finale, Conway Jackson is reuniting to perform a mix of original and cover songs from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Patrons can enter raffles to win a variety of gift cards that will be awarded throughout the evening. Rotary will also have t-shirts available for purchase.
“I think anytime you can get great music and community members together just to have some fun and forget about some of the stresses in life, especially if it's for a good cause, I think that makes for a really great day,” Bartlow said. “So, I’m excited to bring everybody together around a good cause and around music.”
If anyone would like to donate funds, but are unable to attend the event, email jabart@hotmail.com.
“I'm thankful to be part of such a generous community where not only do the musicians give her their time and talent, but we've got a lot of great local sponsors and the folks that are going to come out and support this event. It's just a great place to be. And I'm thankful for everybody who is playing some part in it.”
This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews.
