Local bands plug in for East County benefit

SARASOTA COUNTY — An East County-based not-for-profit is inviting area youth and their families to “rock out” in support of local charities at the fourth annual Rock Out for a Cause.

This year’s event, hosted by Taking Back Lives, will start at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3, at Robarts Arena, and features bands such as November Rush, Primavista, Voices, Shoebox Monsters, Tigerweather and Audea. Doors open at 6 p.m.

“It’s a benefit concert,” said Lakewood Ranch High School junior Jackie Aranibar, who is helping organize the event. “It’s a win-win. You’re helping support charities and you’re having a great time (listening to music) and getting to meet some new people.”

Tickets cost $15 in advance or $18 at the door. The first 150 people to purchase tickets will receive a Rock Out for a Cause T-shirt. Proceeds from this year’s event will be distributed to five local charities: Taking Back Lives, To Write Love on Her Arms, Sk8skool, Kiwanis ELIMINATE and Honor Animal Rescue.

“It’s not about one charity; it’s about enhancing our entire community and teaching our kids about community service,” said event founder and Lakewood Ranch High School teacher Mandy Kersey, who is coordinating hospitality for this year’s event.

Kersey said a committee of students selected this year’s beneficiary charities as well as the bands performing at the event.

Rock Out for a Cause, which traditionally has been held at Lakewood Ranch High School, this year is moving to Robarts Arena to provide a more central location for Sarasota and Manatee youth to meet, to simplify logistics and to provide room for more attendees, Kersey said.

Kersey said individuals should purchase tickets in advance, if possible.

For more information, visit www.rockoutforacause.com. For information about Taking Back Lives, visit www.takingbacklives.org.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

IF YOU GO
Rock Out for a Cause
WHEN: 6:30 to 11 p.m. Feb. 3
WHERE: Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
COST: $15 in advance; $18 at the door
DETAILS: Benefit concert featuring Primavista, Tigerweather, Audea, Shoebox Monsters, Voices and November Rush. Doors open at 6 p.m.
BENEFICIARIES: Taking Back Lives, To Write Love on Her Amrs, Sk8skool, Eliminate maternal/neonatal tetanus and Honor Animal Rescue
TICKETS: www.rockoutforacause.com