LAKEWOOD RANCH -- We the Kings, Bradenton’s hometown band with a national following, brings its considerable musical chops and star power to Rock Out for a Cause.
Variously described as a pop-rock or punk-rock band, We the Kings struck platinum in 2010 with their million-selling single “Check Yes Juliet.”
They are the best known of six very good bands scheduled to perform starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday on the campus of Lakewood Ranch High School.
But the concert won’t be just about the music.
It is also about charitable causes and a desire to make a difference locally and globally.
Taking Back Lives and Lakewood Ranch Key Club are co-hosting the event that will benefit six charities.
“I am excited to come home and play for my family and friends and to use our success for the better good,” singer/guitarist Travis Clark said by phone from Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Among the songs We The Kings will play is “This is Our Town,” written by the band about Bradenton.
Band members Clark, guitarist Hunter Thomsen, bassist Drew Thomsen, and drummer Danny Duncan take their name from King Middle School, where they were all students.
Other bands set to perform include New City Lions, Tigerwater, Speedwell, Skyline Summer and Lion Choir.
Among so many needs and deserving charities, the key was to focus on the causes that were most important to students, said Mandy Kersey, Key Club adviser.
Students selected Food Bank of Manatee, Family Network on Disabilities, Manatee Glens, Honor Animal Rescue and Solve Maternity Homes.
Some of the students knew someone who has been in a difficult situation because of a pregnancy, and wanted to support Solve. Too many knew of friends who had psychological problems or who contemplated suicide, and appreciated the mental health programs offered by Manatee Glens, Kersey said.
Taking Back Lives, which builds classrooms in Malawi, and was started by former Lakewood Ranch High School student Cassandra Yoder, represents the global outreach and sixth charity,
Between band sets, representatives of each charity will have an opportunity to tell concert-goers about their organization.
In addition to their admission, students are required to bring a Wish List item benefiting the charity of their choice, said Kay Yoder, executive director of Taking Back Lives. The wish list items are found at www.rockoutforacause.com, where tickets may also be purchased,
“We have nicknamed the event ‘Woodstock with a Cause’ and it’s a great way for students to come together and do something positive for the community in a fun, safe atmosphere,” Yoder said.
In two previous years, the concert was combined with an overnight campout.
But this year the campout has been dropped, in part because there is a Relay for Life set for the same area the next day, and students have Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests next week, Kersey said.
There will be plenty of security to ensure student safety, bags will be checked, and students who leave won’t be allowed to return to the concert.
“We could not have done it without the support of Principal Linda Nesselhauf and Superintendent Tim McGonegal,” Kersey said. Both attended Campout for a Cause last year to check it out for themselves.
James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee editor, can be contacted at 745-7021.
