In 2010 and 2011, “ROCK The Fight Against CHD” has raised almost $25,000 for CHD awareness and research while drawing over 600 people. On Friday, August 3rd, this exciting concert and fundraising event returns to the Venus DeMilo in Swansea, MA for a third year.
Event coordinator and local musician, Donnie Wilson, is excited to reunite with his uncle, Ed Violette as the acoustic duo, Back-2-Back that had a huge following in the S.E. Mass area throughout the 90’s.
Wilson was inspired to write and record his album, Sedated Echo, released in 2010, when his son Jacob was born with CHD (a congenital heart defect) in May 2009. Wilson was always recognized for his soaring vocals, his gritty guitar work, and his charisma in front of a crowd. Now, his return to music is defined by his passion for CHD advocacy.
The amazing doctors and nurses at Women and Infants and Boston Children’s Hospital who saved the life of Jacob and so many other CHD patients have served as the inspiration for the single, “Super Hero Fantasy”, which is now being used in several national efforts for CHD awareness. Wilson also serves on the National Awareness Committee for Mended Little Hearts.Ed and Don performed to music fans all over New England for many years. Matthew Bowman from New England Performer Magazine back in the April 1993 issue said, “The vocals and guitar work of Wilson and Violette were all razor sharp, reminding me of the type of stuff Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora do all the time.” If you walked into a local S.E. Mass bar in the 90’s when they were playing, it was full. Now, in 2012, they perform their first full length concert event, with Ed’s son, Matt joining in the second set with the same amazing guitar chops as his dad!
We welcome back our hysterical friend, comedienne and Somerset native, Lizz Furtado, back to host the event. Opening for Ed and Don is 15 year old, singer songwriter, Andrea LeClaire who’s debut video, “Next Time” is approaching 30,000 views on YouTube as of this release. This year’s show will also be streaming live online at www.LIFEofDAD.com, a website launched by comedian and fellow CHD dad, Tom Riles, who currently warms up the studio audience for the Ellen DeGeneres Show. Bring the kids and enjoy some great music, a lot of laughs, our great silent auction, plenty of food, and many special moments with our CHD heroes.Adults - $20 in advance ($25 at the door)
18 and under - $10
CHD Survivors – FREE
Make your reservation in advance online today »
Donate to the Mended Little Hearts Awareness Fund »
Build a MAN CAVE (user profile) on LIFE OF DAD, and Ralph's Grocery Store will donate $1 to the Heart Institute at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
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