PREVENTION FIRST ROCKS RUMSON
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Ocean Township, NJ, August 14, 2012 - On Saturday, August 4th, Prevention First held its third annual benefit concert at the home of Lynne and Hugh Ward. "It was a pleasure to host Rock to Prevent for Prevention First, which does such valuable work in our community. The musicians who performed were all so talented, resulting in a great show! People of all ages really enjoyed the day!" said Mrs. Ward. The concert was attended by more than 450 people of all ages and featured some of the best young musicians in New Jersey. "The event was everything we hoped it would be!" said Michelle Cicalese, Prevention First's development director. "The young musicians inspired and made an impact on both the children and adults who attended. It was a true family event, with groups of people bouncing beach balls and enjoying the sunshine and the laid-back vibe."
Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Linda Chorney was the concert's MC and introduced Stone Bullets, whose guitarist, Max Kyrillos, dedicated their performance to his cousin, saying, "Before we start, let me give a quick shout-out to my cousin, and Godson Caspian Kyrillos. He's four months old, and this is his first concert! I hope this is the best concert he'll never remember!" Then the band performed The Star Spangled Banner and followed up with cover songs of well-known classic rock bands.
In a moving performance, April Lockhart sang "Different," a song that promotes a message of hope and says that being different is a good thing. April was born on the 4th of July, 1995, in New Jersey, with Uterine Band Syndrome, which means she plays piano and guitar without a left hand. She uses a small prosthetic called "Birdie" to hold her guitar pick. Sibling Rivalry, Ardvark Smile and The Rock'n Music Academy House Band also played and received a great response from the crowd.
Quincy Mumford and the Reason Why headlined the show for the third year in a row. Monmouth County natives who have performed together for three years, this band has played more than 300 shows and released three albums to-date.
About Prevention First -- Prevention First is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that has been providing youth, parents and professionals with research-based prevention programs to help children stay healthy, safe and drug-free since 1967.