Concert to raise money for Red Cross

Six local bands will rock the Bluebird on Thursday evening to raise money for Indiana flood victims.\nLocal concert promoter Dan Coleman organized the “Rock for Relief” benefit show. Other than a food drive Coleman organized last Halloween, this is his first benefit show. The “Rock for Relief” show allows local bands to come together and do what they can to help get flood victims the help they need, Coleman said.\nThe American Red Cross estimates $3 million is needed for Indiana flood relief. So far, the organization has raised $1.2 million, said Conner Burns, an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer doing resource development for the Monroe County chapter of the American Red Cross.\n“Every bit helps,” he said. “We appreciate everything that anyone is willing to give.”\nAll the bands on the bill – Built for Comfort, Gravitas, Good Luck, The Fatted Calf String Band, Racebannon and Shaggy Wonda – are donating their time and entertainment to the show free of charge. The money raised from the $5 cover charge will be donated to the Monroe County chapter of the American Red Cross, Coleman said. Canned goods, toiletries, clothing and other items will also be collected at the door and delivered to the St. Mark Mission in Spencer, Ind.\nSome players involved in Thurday’s show have been affected firsthand by the flooding. Coleman’s basement was flooded and Shaggy Wonda was marooned on State Road 37 for eight hours because the rain washed out the road. Coleman said his losses were insignificant compared to those that lost \neverything. Shaggy Wonda guitarist Colby Miller said seeing the flood damage up close spurned the band to get involved in the relief effort any way they could by putting on a rocking concert.\n“In the wake of tragedy, you can have a good time and support the cause,” he said\nThe doors open at 8 p.m. for Thursday night’s “Rock for Relief” concert. Cover charge is $5 and you must be at least 21 to attend.