Five metro rock bands and performers share the stage Saturday for an all-ages benefit concert to raise funds for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Jonathan Knight said 100 percent of the show's proceeds will go to the Norman center, which has pioneered studies and treatments for pediatric cancer.
Knight, who works at a local Chili's Grill & Bar and plays with local punk rockers Red City Radio, came up with the idea after he noticed he was lagging behind in the restaurant and staffers' competitive efforts to raise money for the hospital. He decided to pool his resources and contacted all the musicians he knew, founding an annual benefit show.
"It seemed like a no-brainer to do something with music, because it's right up my alley," he said.
AUDIENCE APPEAL
As the organizer, Knight said he chooses local acts that can appeal to audiences with a varieties of musical interests. The diversity of the show, along with its cause, makes the concert a near-capacity event each year.
The first two concerts each raised about $1,000. Knight is hopeful that Saturday's concert will raise even more money for the hospital, which he said operates completely off donations.
"Every little effort counts, and this is like my little effort," he said. "It takes a bunch of little efforts like this to put together the whole picture."
Somerset West, For the Atlantic, Engine Orchestra, The City and Skyway and singer/songwriter Daniel Walcher will perform with Knight's band at 7 p.m. Saturday at The Conservatory, 8911 N. Western. Tickets are $7 and additional donations are welcome. For more information, call 879-9778.
"Paige Lawler
