Music with a Message

It all started because Clark Sweeney and his band needed a place to play.

Six years later, Rock for Relief is still giving bands a place to play and helping charities along the way.

It was 2005 and Sweeney thought his band could hold a benefit concert for victims of Hurricane Katrina. He approached First United Methodist Church with the idea.

“It snowballed into a bigger thing,” said Sweeney. “This selfish idea to play some music became a community effort. It became something better.”

Rock for Relief be held from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 4 at . Admission is $5. Doors open at 6 p.m. Snacks and drinks will be available.

Eight bands will take the stage Saturday night, including Sweeney and James Pawlikowski, performing as Automatic Impulse and playing rock on acoustic guitars. Other acts include: the Caravan, Josh Toro, Desert Snowstorm, Sarah Zimmer, Descending Remington and MacklinCastaway

The charity fundraiser, now held twice a year, will benefit A Drink for Tomorrow. According to its website, A Drink for Tomorrow “raises funds and awareness to bring clean water to impoverished communities.” graduate Stephanie Weaver founded the nonprofit.

“We love to help everyone,” said Sweeney. “Nobody’s too big, nobody’s too small.”

During the first event, Rock for Relief raised $2,100. Each subsequent event has raised between $1,500 and $2,000.

“We raise as much money as we can,” said Sweeney.

At this year’s event, Givetags will also be available to help raise money for ADFT.

Givetags, started by Sweeney, provides another way for people to donate to their favorite organizations. The idea, said Sweeney, is to raise awareness of lesser-known charities.

Givetags are used as gift tags on one side and promote a nonprofit organization on the reverse side. Eighty percent of the purchase is donated to the organization on the givetag. Givetags are sold in packs of five for $20. Currently there are three charities on the Givetags website.

“We’re always open to new ideas,” said Sweeney.