Local musicians to play benefit concert honouring late rocker
There will be lot of familiar faces in the crowd on Halloween, feeling a whole lot better about the passing of rock icon Tom Petty.
A group of musicians from across Saskatchewan are putting on a series of tribute shows to pay homage to the late rocker while raising money for charity.
The idea to hold a charity tribute show was first put forward by Regina musician and show producer Val Halla. Local musician Shayne Lazarowich gave her a call and pitched the idea of putting together a series of shows.
Each show is named after a Tom Petty song. Since the P.A. event falls on Halloween, it’s been named ‘Zombie Zoo.’
Funds raised from all five shows will be split between four charities: The Red Cross hurricane relief fund, Music Heals, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the National Compassion Fund Las Vegas.
Finding artists to participate wasn’t a challenge.
“We might have to start a little earlier than panned because there are so many people who want to be involved, which is cool,” Lazarowich said.
“The idea is to come out, play some songs, it’s not a huge commitment to play a few songs, but I really appreciate all the musicians doing it. Everyone is performing pro bono.”
The Halloween theme is also working itself into a contest for best costume. You don’t have to dress as Tom Petty, though “that would be pretty cool,” Lazarowich laughed.
One of the artists coming out to both the Prince Albert and Saskatoon shows in Gord Vaadeland.
The Tom Petty Zombie Zoo Halloween Show is scheduled for Tuesday, October 31 at the Rock Trout Café. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. The show is expected to sell out. Tickets are available at the Rock Trout Café.
For more on this story, please see the October 25 print or e-edition of the Daily Herald
