ROCK FOR A CURE: Battle of the Kid Bands 2018

January 10, 2018

The kids rocked, really rocked, the parents cheered, and the venue was packed for the first Rock for Cure to support Children's National Hospital. On January 6th, 2018, over 250 children and adults came out to listen to their favorite kid rockers battle it out for a chance to perform in Seacrest Studios at Children's National in Washington, DC.

It was an emotional evening as many of the children came to support and honor “Willie Strong” and Willie’s personal battle against brain cancer. Willie is a big fan of music and listening to its healing power has helped him stay strong during his cancer treatments.

Emcee Grace McNicholas kept the concert running smoothly as bands and soloists performed up to two songs in front of a judging panel of DC music, art and media professionals, including Maggie O'Neill of Maggie O'Neill Fine Art and Swatchroom, Dave Ries of Kentucky Avenue Music, Ben-Aviv Tam of BAT Studios, Oak Strawbridge, of The Grosvenor Funds and Camino Royale, and Doug Kammerer, NBC4's Chief Meteorologist. The judges graciously accepted the tough job of determining the winners during the three hour competition and Dave Ries doubled his workload and took on the tough task of sound production for over 18 performers with quick changeovers in a standing room only venue filled with curious children who enjoyed climbing cords and speakers.

The competition was followed by pumped-up performances by bands Mommy's Little Helper (Catherine Zimmermann's "Mom Band" with Camille Miller, Sharalyn Brady, Nina Gilman, Earl Cutter, Jonathan Cross, Hunter Bennett, and Ben-Aviv Tam of BAT Studios) and Mercury's Velvet. The bands were excited to donate their performances in support of “Willie Strong” and the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

Elizabeth Kaufman of Children's National, and Catherine Zimmermann, of SparkleMonkey Events, conceived of the idea last year after a similar event was a hit among music loving families. Elizabeth, who has worked with Children's National over the past few years fundraising for the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, witnessed the need for more financial support after her daughter, Arabelle, was diagnosed with Leukemia.

With the overwhelming show of support from the community for this event, it looks like we may have to start planning next year’s Rock for a Cure!

PHOTO CREDITS: A.E. LANDES PHOTOGRAPHY

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Please join us for this year’s Heroes Curing Childhood Cancer Gala at March 3. The Heroes Gala is the signature event for the Cancer Center at Children’s National Hospital and raises money to support the Psychosocial Services Program which provides critical services to young cancer patients including art therapy, music therapy, psychology, education support, and social work.

DONATE: https://childrensnational.donordrive.com/campaign/Rock-For-A-Cure

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