The Hit Men Performing Cancer Benefit At Red Bank's Count Basie

RED BANK, NJ — A music group whose members have performed with some of the biggest names in the music business will take the stage at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank to help raise money to fight cancer.

The Hit Men — Lee Shapiro, Jimmy Ryan, Larry Gates, Russ Velazquez and Steve Murphy — will be performing at the MMRF Benefit at The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ to help raise money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and to honor Gates, who battled the disease.

The group's members have performed with Frankie Valli and Carly Simon, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart, Tommy James, Carole King, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, The Critters, and Barry Manilow among others.

Gates was diagnosed with multiple myeloma seven years ago but underwent a successful stem cell transplant, the group said in a news release about the upcoming performance.

"The evening will serve as both grand entertainment as well as a celebration of life as Larry will represent all multiple myeloma patients on stage and tell his stories of both difficulties and hope," the news release said.

"The Hit Men were instrumental in the success of some of the greatest songs, albums and bands of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. After decades of accomplishments behind the scenes, the five longtime friends decided to reunite and form the group," the release said.

"Their music, their stories and their craft are embedded in many of America’s most treasured songs and their sizzling shows combine live music, eye popping videos and reminiscences from their firsthand accounts of making music history as it happens."

The event includes a VIP Reception with the performers at the Buona Sera Restaurant next to the Count Basie Theatre. Showtime is at 8 p.m.

Tickets to the VIP reception and concert are $150 each and can be purchased by clicking here.

Tickets to the concert, purchased through Count Basie, cost from $25 to $49 and can be purchased by clicking here.

The group shared the following video message:

Promotional poster, via Count Basie Theatre website