On June 5th,
2010, a series of tornadoes hit several towns in a rural area
100 miles southwest of Chicago. Touchdowns in Peoria, Streator,
Dwight, Elmwood and Kankakee left behind flattened homes, downed
power lines and, in one instance, a derailed train. The communities
affected by the devastation were left with the task of rebuilding
their homes, their lives and their well being.
Kevin
Chalfant, a long time resident of Streator is answering the call
for aid. The storms of that night affected a number of good family
friends and his beloved community. His plan? To hold an all star
concert to support rebuilding efforts and counseling needed to
cope with losses.
Currently, Kevin Chalfant is a member
of Voices of Rock Radio, a group of national recording artists
who
tour together. He is a former lead singer for Journey and The
Storm and was instrumental in the Alan Parsons Live Project and
Shooting Star. He has earned a BMI award and Chicago Music Award
and the devotion of fans around the world. The forthcoming benefit
concert is Kevin's call to action for all to support the cause!
Several companies have pulled together to form a force in bringing
relief to these communities.
Horseshoe
Casino and Talent Concepts Inc., along with Clique Productions
and Dream Machines Car Club, are set to hold an all star benefit
concert at The Venue (777 Casino Center Drive in Hammond, Indiana)
on Saturday, September 4th to support rebuilding efforts and counseling
needed to cope with losses.
The
Voices of Rock Radio will be donating their time performing at
The Venue, a 2500 seat theater.
Jimi Jamison (famous for several hits including "Eye Of The
Tiger," “ Can’t Hold Back,“ and "High On You"),
Derek St. Holmes (vocalist and guitarist for the Ted Nugent Band
known for such hits as "Cat Scratch Fever," "Stranglehold"
and "Hey Baby"), Wally Palmar (lead singer for The Romantics
who had a #1 hit with "What I Like About You" along
with other hit singles such as "Talking In Your Sleep")
and John Cafferty (who, along with The Beaver Brown Band, is best
known for the #1 hits "On The Dark Side" and "C.I.T.Y."
that were recorded for the popular 1983 movie, Eddie and the Cruisers)
will be performing with Kevin Chalfant. Together they present
an energetic concert filled with hit songs they made famous!
In
addition to seeking corporate sponsors for the benefit, the website
www.TornadoBenefit.com has been launched for individual donations.
It contains photos of some of the devastation, information about
the concert, and an area where you can make a donation.
Kevin
is optimistic that, with the support of local corporations and
citizens, the proceeds from the concert can bring some relief
to the community.
