By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
The Firehouse Cultural Center has a special treat coming up Sunday, Sept. 20, filled with laughter, live music and community purpose. It’s hosting Rock & Roll for Rescue — a Jack Willhite comedy concert benefiting the C.A.R.E. animal shelter in Ruskin.
The 90-minute show — part tribute concert, part stand-up comedy and fully over-the-top — is filled with high-energy parodies of classic rock & roll acts that may include AC/DC and Guns N' Roses; Ozzy Osbourne, ZZ Top and Prince; Bon Jovi, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Cheap Trick; John Mellencamp, Billy Idol and more.
His performances feature a variety of guitars, amps, lighting, costumes and props.
“I have a wide range of character routines I can tap into for any given performance that involve hours of construction and stage preparation to get stage-worthy,” said Willhite, a Virginia native who’s been in the business 20 years and performs roughly 100 shows each year in theatres and performing arts centers nationwide.
“What audiences respond to most are the energy of the music and the absurdity of the various characters I try to emulate.
“Every ticket helps support homeless animals in our community,” he added. “Whether you’re a die-hard classic rock fan, animal lover or just looking for a wildly fun night out, this is one comedy show you won’t want to miss.”
The Firehouse Cultural Center views this type of event as a perfect example of how it can partner with area nonprofit groups as a venue for raising funds and offering their services to the community.
“We saw this as a win for everyone involved,” said FCC director of operations Beth Stein. “Jack has a great venue; C.A.R.E. has the opportunity to raise funds, collect supplies and share information; and the community is offered a truly unique show that’s sure to sell out.”
The program is geared to teen and adults and begins at 3 p.m. at 101 First Ave. NE, Ruskin. Doors open at 2:30. Refreshments will be sold.
C.A.R.E. has been invited to set up a donation station for operational items it needs. Guests are welcome to bring along paper towels, bleach, disinfectant wipes, dog or cat toys, Royal Canin cat or dog food, and pet supply gift cards. Cash donations are especially appreciated to cover medical expenses incurred for animal care.
Other brands of food also may be donated for C.A.R.E.’s public food shack to help people in need keep their pets.
RSVP now at https://firehouseculturalcenter.org or by calling 813-645-7651. Tickets are $25 per person.