Some of LA’s hottest bands will come together for a fundraising concert to benefit Operation Gratitude, a non-profit group that sends care packages to U.S. troops and veterans around the world. The event takes place at the legendary House of Blues on Sunset Blvd. on Friday, September 12, at 7:30 p.m. Performing in the venue’s Parish Room, the line-up will include a number of familiar faces and names for music fans
The Kays
Featuring actor-musicians Vance DeGeneres (The Daily Show) and Eddie Jemison (Ocean’s 11, 12 & 13; HBO’s Hung), The Kays deliver a unique blend of scrappy acoustic folk and pop. Vance, a founding member of the New Orleans seminal pop band The Cold, joins forces with drummer Tim Ford and bassist Ellen Philips who, along with Eddie Jemison, performed in the popular Chicago punk band Love Kit. The result is an upbeat, high-energy performance, reminiscent of 60s-era pop, that is sure to have everyone on their feet.
Detroit Diesel Power
Heating up the LA music scene with scorching guitars and a raw punk rock sound is Detroit Diesel Power led by singer/bassist Regina Zernay Roberts. After touring with Cee Lo Green and performing on everything from Saturday Night Live to The Tonight Show, Detroit Diesel Power is a return to Regina’s hard-rock roots, specializing in aggressive punk-influenced rock & roll. (Think Motorhead with a “chick” lead singer.) The band regularly performs at the House of Blues and the Viper Room, and their new single “Titanic” has begun to generate radio airplay on various stations nationwide.
Nicholas Burns & The Night Owls
Nicholas Burns & The Night Owls are the house band for the syndicated celebrity talk show, The John Kerwin Show. The band has entertained the show’s studio audience since 2006 and have played with countless musical guests including Gloria Gaynor, Kate Early and Alicia Witt.
Loup Garou MF
Led by vocalist Tina Jane, Loup Garou MF is a hard-hitting punk rock band with a rockabilly edge. Loup Garou MF can be seen at punk venues throughout Southern California including the Eagle Rock Music Festival, The Down & Out, and Linda’s Doll Hut.
“Having played at military bases throughout the country and the Middle East, I had a chance to see firsthand the sacrifices our troops make on a daily basis, so this is a cause that’s very near and dear to my heart,” said Regina Zernay Roberts of Detroit Diesel Power and the event’s organizer. “Operation Gratitude is a wonderful organization and I’m thrilled that we have this opportunity to show our support. I hope everyone can come join us for a great night of music and support this worthy cause.”
Tickets for the event are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and all proceeds go directly to Operation Gratitude. To purchase advance tickets, visit http://www.detroitdieselpower.com/HOB_091214_BuyTickets.php. The event takes place at the House of Blues, 8430 W. Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood on Friday, September 12, at 7:30 p.m.
Event organizers will also collect “wish list” items for Operation Gratitude’s care packages. If concert attendees would like to bring a donation, the most-needed items include: Knit Hats and Scarves; Yarn; Socks (preferably black, brown, green, tan; not white); DVDs and CDs; Video Games; iPods; Computer Flash Drives; Energy Bars, Beef Jerky, and Healthy Snacks; Lip Balm; Roll-on Deodorant; Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Floss, Mouthwash (travel-size); and Individually Packaged Razors.
About Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude annually sends 150,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment, hygiene and hand-made items, plus personal letters of appreciation, to New Recruits, Veterans, First Responders, Wounded Warriors, Care Givers and to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed overseas. Our mission is to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of our Active Duty and Veteran communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for all Americans to express their appreciation to members of our Military. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than one million care packages.
