Howard Beach Resident Organizes Charity Show
A stellar lineup of musicians-led by a Howard Beach resident-have united for a concert on Friday, Jan. 25 to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy.
The show, to take place at The Cutting Room in Manhattan, is being organized by Ricky Byrd, who has recorded with Roger Daltrey and Joan Jett, with help from Rockers in Recovery, a Florida-based group that is dedicated to addiction recovery.
“I live right in the middle of this disaster, but luckily, I have a house to repair,” Byrd said in a statement. “Unfortunately, there are many who no longer have a home, and are not being taken care of by insurance. I called some of my rock ‘n’ roll friends to help raise the roof and raise some money to help those who are less fortunate. We’re hoping these funds can help them with much needed repairs.”
Proceeds from all ticket and merchandisce sales will go to The Grayby beards (a non-profit Rockaway Beach-based organization), and the West Hamilton Beach and Broad Channel volunteer fire departments.
At the show, Byrd will lead the Rockers In Recovery All-Star Band along with drummer Liberty DeVitto (who has played with Billy Joel), guitarist Richie Supa (who has played with Aerosmith), bass guitar player Kasim Sulton (of the progressive rock band Utopia), singer Christine Ohlman (of the Saturday Night Live band), and keyboardist Mark Stein (of the influential rock band Vanilla Fudge).
Special guests scheduled for the event include Gary “U.S.” Bonds, Ian Hunter (lead singer of British rock band Mott The Hoople), actor and recording artist Michael Des Barres, LaLa Brooks (The Crystals), Billy J. Kramer (“Bad To Me”), Gene Cornish (The Rascals), Simon Kirke (Free, Bad Company), Handsome Dick Manitoba (Manitoba, The Dictators, Little Stevens Underground Garage), Ross The Boss (The Dictators), Peppy Castro (Blues Magoos), and Mark Bosch (Ian Hunter Rant Band, Garland Jeffries).
Additionally, the night will open with a performance from Queens doo-wop band The Capris.
The evening will be hosted by A&E Private Sessions’ Lynn Hoffman and Q104 DJ Ken Dashow.
“As the State Senator representing the Sandy-affected areas of Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, Broad Channel and the Rockaways, I know there are thousands of people who still need assistance months after the storm,” noted State Sen. Joseph Addabbo. “I also know their needs will still be there months to come. I have heard so many heartbreaking stories that I will remember forever. That is why I am so grateful to Ricky Byrd and Rockers in Recovery and all the participants of the January 25th event.”
The concert begins at 8 p.m. The Cutting Room is located at 44 East 32nd St. Tickets are $50 for general admission. VIP meet-and-greet packages are also available for $150.
To purchase tickets, visit https://ticketf.ly/1389Lg5.
