Local bands join forces for memorial fundraiser.
A charity gig inspired by Ben Sambrook, an Aldridge School student who died last year following his battle with a brain tumour, returns for a second year with another impressive line up, including Ben’s musical sister, Emily.
BENefit Gig on Friday 3rd July will feature six acts and be hosted by voice over artist Marc Silk. Headliners are The Drive, a local indie band whose recent live success has led to significant record company interest.
BENefit Gig was first held in February 2014, ten days before the devastating news of 14 year old Ben’s death. The 2014 event, which sold out, raised £5,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity, together with support events at Aldridge School. Ben loved live music and wished for the event to continue for young people to attend and to give local musicians a chance to work with professional event and sound teams. His sister Emily, who sings and plays guitar, will perform her own touching tribute to Ben with her take on a song by Green Day, Ben’s favourite band.
Ben also loved animation, so the choice of Marc Silk (pictured) – a campaigner for brain tumour charities – as MC is particularly apt. Marc, from Solihull, is the voice of cult animated character Johnny Bravo for Cartoon Network UK. He also provides the voice of video games,# such as Overlord, cartoon characters across the world, such as Bob the Builder in the USA and has featured in films including Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
After being diagnosed with his first brain tumour at the age of seven, Ben and his family raised over £100,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity. This year, all proceeds will go to Brain Tumour Support. The event costs, totalling over £1,000, have been covered by local sponsors, including Aldridge School Council, Nameplate UK, Cooke Brothers, Wallplan, Cohesion Ltd, Mobile Dent Removal, and Aldridge Youth Fellowship, of which Ben was a member.
The event has also provided event training for Aldridge School pupils, who will run the event with a full professional AV rig and team. The line up includes Sunday 44, Afternoon Identity, Underground Storm, Joe Riley, Emily Sambrook and The Drive.
Tickets (suitable for all ages) are available at £8, with the event being held at Aldridge Community Centre from 7.30pm – 10.30pm. For ticket details visit www.facebook.com/BENefitGig or call the box office on 01922 456742.