Kids are helping kids this holiday season by way of music thanks to the second annual "Toys for Tots Benefit Rock Concert" hosted by Chesterton teen rock band State Park.
"All the boys just want to help out kids less fortunate than they are," said Tom Jaeger, father of State Park guitarist TJ Jaeger, 14.
The Saturday concert at Chesterton Moose Lodge includes food from George's Gyros and a cash bar for those 21 and older. Jaeger said there may be a silent auction as well.
Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy or $5 for admission at the door.
"We got a lot of toys last year," said State Park vocalist Hayden Dillabough, 13. "We had a good turnout too -- despite an ice storm."
Dillabough said in addition to helping local children in need, his band (and its fans) get to discover different music and meet new fans from the other groups -- thoughts echoed by State Park guitarist Michael Lara, 15.
"You have fun but at the same time you're helping people," Lara said.
The concert kicks off at 5 p.m. with Tainted Fish, followed by Dramatic Visions (6:30 to 8 p.m.); State Park (8:15 to 10 p.m.); and The Breed (10:15 to midnight).
All four bands feature group members ages 13 to 19.
"The Breed are really nice guys, they'll walk right up and talk to you," Dillabough said. "Dramatic Visions are like heavy metal, and Tainted Fish (who performed at last year's benefit) do a lot of classic rock."
State Park themselves plan to rock with a mix of classics (AC/DC, The Who, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath) and their own originals like "Mind's Dimension," "Beautiful Brown Eyes," and "One Way."
"We also just learned "Twist and Shout," Dillabough said. "Everybody loves the Beatles."
Dillabough added that the band is writing, learning and recording more songs.
"Because all the old stuff gets old," he said.
State Park, which includes bassist Zach Cannon, 14, and drummer Danny Romero, 14, formed in the spring of 2006. Their brief history includes winning the Valparaiso Popcorn Talent Show and performing at the Porter County Fair, Portage Steel Wheels Fest, Hobart's Lakefront Fest and Midwest Zest Fest in Highland. The band also performs at local clubs and restaurants, including a number of appearances at Gelsosomo's in Chesterton. In addition to hosting its own benefit concert, the band recently performed at a cancer benefit in Highland.
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"Toys for Tots Benefit Rock Concert" hosted by State Park
When: 5 p.m. to midnight, Nov. 15
Where: Chesterton Moose Lodge, 602 Broadway, Chesterton
Cost: Unwrapped toy or $5 donation at door
FYI: Call Tom at (219) 926-7585 or (219) 628-1661
