Classic Rock for a Cause

Contact Katy Coduto at [email protected].  

Katy Coduto

A number of classic-rock cover bands will take the Kent Stage on Friday, Jan. 31, all for the sake of a fundraiser. Bands including the Deja Voodoo Band, Root Doctor’s Revenge, Strange Brew, the Toyz and the Dream Police will play to support 26-year-old Tina Mazzotta and her family.

Mazzotta is facing a rare form of cervical cancer, and the fundraiser will raise money to help her and her family pay the bills associated with her treatments. The Kent Stage’s website explains that 100 percent of the proceeds from the night will be donated to Mazzotta.

Michael Heggedus, lead singer of the Dream Police, said he became involved with the fundraiser through the event organizer, a family friend of the Mazzottas.

“I saw [our friend] post about the fundraiser online, so I called her up and asked what bands were already on the bill,” he said. “She messaged me back and asked if we were interested in joining. We just jumped on it, easy as that.”

The Dream Police are a Cheap Trick cover band, but their original incarnation was actually as an Alice Cooper cover band. However, for the fundraiser Friday night, they’ll be in full Cheap Trick mode. Heggedus said each band has about 45 minutes for their set, allowing The Dream Police to fit in around 10 songs.

“The music is fun and definitely a good time,” Heggedus said. And, as he said, everyone playing will be embracing a friendly spirit for the night, ignited by the positive vibes from supporting a good cause.

“It’s fun to play, period, when you are a performer,” he said. “When you have a good cause like that, it puts a warm feeling in your belly that you’re helping someone out.”

The show starts at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 Friday night. Tickets are still available, and can be purchased for $15 at the Kent Stage, or through the Kent Stage’s website. Aside from live performances, the event will have giveaways throughout the evening, and wine, beer and other drinks can be purchased.

Heggedus said performing Friday night is worth it to help Mazzotta and her family through this trying time.

“We try to raise some money to help with bills and whatnot,” he said. “Plus, it’s close to home, and [local venues are] always good to donate your time to.”

And of course, Heggedus asked anyone who can to come out and enjoy the music for an evening to support the cause.

“If people can, definitely come out, support the cause,” he said. “It’s definitely worth it for someone who’s having a difficult time in her life right now. Come out and support the cause if you can — you’ll have fun while you’re doing it; you’ll definitely be entertained.”