'Swamp-Stock' Benefit A First For New Swampscott Center For The Performing Arts

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — The five-band music lineup for the first Swamp-Stock: Rock the Night! fundraiser for the Marblehead Counseling Center is confirmed for the benefit show at the new Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday.

Johnny Ray is donating the use of the new venue for the event that runs from 6 to 11 p.m. (doors at 5 p.m.) on Thursday night.

The MCC credited Ray with also donating staffing and helping negotiate reduced fees with some of the participating bands.

The five bands scheduled to perform are B-Side Hustle, Glass Harbor, Funbucket, The MERJ, and Lois Lane and the Daily Planets.

The fundraiser continues Ray's support for MCC. The Beacon Restaurant and Bar has hosted the organization's Community Champions Awards events for the past two years.

Ray said the cause is personal as well as community-based.

"I don't know anyone who hasn't known someone personally or been touched themselves by mental health struggles," Ray says. "It's an epidemic around the country. If we can do something to help make resources available to those who need it, I'm happy to do it."

Ray said he plans to use the venue, which recently opened under a 30-month temporary lease with the town before plans for permanent development of the former Hawthorne Restaurant site are determined, to support other causes in the future.

He said he also supports Eliot Community Human Services in Lynn. During the MCC event, Ray said, money from the claw game in the lobby will go to Eliot.

"It's an issue that has touched my immediate family. If giving back in this way can help change the life of one person, that's what it's all about," Ray said.

Ruth Ferguson, president of the Counseling Center’s board of directors, said the lineup was strengthened by Ray’s local ties.

"We're really excited to be able to offer such great acts for the event," Ferguson said. "Johnny knows everyone, and he helped put together a really good line-up. We couldn't be more excited, or more thankful."

The night’s schedule starts with Lois Lane and the Daily Planets at 6 p.m., followed by Glass Harbor at 7 p.m., B-Side Hustle at 8 p.m., The MERJ at 9 p.m. and Funbucket at 10 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served, and there will be a cash bar.

Tickets are available at the door and can also be purchased online here.