Three local bands will perform during a benefit concert called the Spotlight Artist Showcase to raise money for the International Boxing Club (IBC) in Oregon, at 6 p.m. June 14.
The showcase, co-hosted by 92.5 KISS FM and IBC, will feature Harbours, The Eight Fifteens and The Last Born Sons.
“This will be our first live show together as a band and we’re very excited to launch with this project,” said Matt Beier, guitarist for Harbours. “I know the other bands who are participating, too, and they are fantastic. It’s just a nice opportunity for us to get out and showcase what we’ve done creatively.”
KISS FM’s morning show, The Morning Rush, has hosted dozens of local music artists, bands and DJs on Fridays for more than a year. However, the Spotlight Artist Showcase will be its first concert.
“It’s usually one quick song and an interview on Friday. This is a full-blown show with three live sets and all the proceeds — except for sound equipment expenses — go straight to the boxing club,” said Jodi Szczublewski, promotions director at Clear Channel Media and Entertainment.
IBC is a Toledo-based organization that engages disadvantaged 8- to 20-year-olds in their studies by using amateur boxing and boxercise “as a hook to get kids into the building and off the streets,” according to its website. Since its founding in 1998, IBC has helped more than 4,000 at-risk youth.
“We’re trying to develop champions in life,” said Harry Cummins III, IBC’s founder and executive director. “These kids have a future in our community and we can’t turn our backs on them. They don’t have anywhere to go. As adults, we need to support them and send the message that they can get out of their neighborhoods and current lifestyle. It’s key just to show that we do care as a community.”
Cummins said that IBC’s program costs about $165,000 annually and helps an average of 160 local youth every year. The program does not cost anything for participants, but requires them to meet IBC’s academic standards.
“Got to keep the grades up to put the boxing gloves on,” Cummins said. “Watching them grow up and graduate makes you so proud. I’m blessed to have these kids.”
In addition to academic services, such as a free tutoring program with University of Toledo’s Honors college, IBC provides vocational training and community service opportunities for its participants.
“Our drummer actually trains at the International Boxing Club so this is very exciting for us as a band,” said Josh Whitney, guitarist for The Eight Fifteens. “We love to do charity events. It’s our pleasure to help other people by giving back and if we can provide entertainment, too, then it’s a double whammy.”
DJ 3PM, aka local artist Casey Clark, will open Saturday’s show at 6 p.m. The bands kick off at 7 p.m. and each will play for about 45 minutes, with DJ 3PM spinning tunes between each set.
Szczublewski said she hopes to see a crowd of about 300 people and would consider making this an annual event to raise money for IBC.
Alcohol, food and band merchandise will be available for purchase at the concert, which is open to all those 21 and older. Tickets cost $15 at the door and $10 in advance at 925kissfm.com/showcase.
“We’re all stoked about it,” said Kyle Smithers, bassist for The Last Born Sons. “It’s cool just because we’re playing with guys we’ve known in town. It’s just fun to do showcases like this where we can all work together for the Toledo music scene and make a contribution for charity, too.”
