An all-local electric range of rock musicians are banding together for a Sudbury Food Bank fundraiser in Hanmer on Nov. 22, for the first-ever Rock Against Hunger.
The event is the brainchild of Mike Lavigne, the lead singer and guitar player for the pop-punk outfit Station Radio and drummer for hard rock band Blackwood Sinners.
Both bands are slated to perform during the Nov. 22 show at Cousin Vinny's Restaurant & Bar at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre, alongside alternative rocker Elephanteshoes and psychedelic alternative rock group Dadbodd and the Everyman.
Admission is $15 at the door, or $10 with two non-perishable food items.
The event, Lavigne said, is “something cool I’ve always wanted to do.”
Every year around this time, he said the food bank tends to issue a public call-out to help fill their shelves.
Meanwhile, he said, there’s a great talent pool of musicians in Greater Sudbury eager to perform.
“The talent we have in the city right now, with the new groups coming out, I wish I could have a three-day festival,” he said.
Blackwood Sinners have been on hiatus for the past seven years or so, and started jamming again in the last six months. When Lavigne pitched a set at the Nov. 22 fundraiser, he said his old bandmates jumped at the chance to reunite on stage.
Although a fundraiser by nature, Lavigne said the event’s about fun.
“I would love to bring the energy, just to make the place erupt," he said. “If people want to dance, shout, we want to be nice and loud, and a celebration of rock and roll getting together to do something good.”
All four headlining acts perform original songs, and by the end of the night, Lavigne wants everyone in attendance to reflect on the night by saying, “That was awesome.”
The event will include a draw for a Fender Jazzmaster guitar from Mayhem Custom Guitars, with those in attendance getting one ticket and the option of spending another $5 for a second ticket.
Click on the following links to the Spotify accounts to listen to the music of Elephantshoes, StationRadio, Dadbodd and the Everyman and The Blackwood Sinners.
Admission will be payable at the door, Lavigne said, and the show is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. Those worried about the show selling out can also contact Lavigne to secure a spot by phoning him at 705-690-3391 or emailing [email protected].
Tyler Clarke is a reporter at Sudbury.com.