Earlier today, I happened to run into into well-known Phoenix activists Amy McMullen and Layal Rabat, each helping stranded travelers at the Greyhound Bus Terminal, and they informed me of a fundraiser going down at the Crescent Ballroom this Saturday evening, which sounds perfect for those who like their entertainment mixed with a healthy dollop of social conscience.
Listen to the song "Smile" by Ticker Tape Parade.
Likely, the reunion of local power-pop act Ticker Tape Parade would be enough to pull folks off the couch and down to the Crescent to suck back a brew and enjoy some tunes all on its own.
Get details on Saturday's Ticker Tape Parade reunion concert.
Winner of Phoenix New Times' 2003 Best Local Band award, TTP has been compared to Mesa phenom Jimmy Eat World and Tempe's legendary Gin Blossoms. With opening acts Jamie Wolford, LIP and Jared & The Mill, the concert is no doubt worth the $10 at the door.
See the Facebook page for the concert.
But there's an added bonus to attending this event: Simply by enjoying yourself, you'll be helping a cool new effort to establish a free clinic in the Valley for those without health insurance.
Known as Phoenix Allies for Community Health, or PACH for short, the organization was formed by health care professionals and others who see the need for free access to healthcare, without the sometimes intrusive hand of government assistance.
As board member McMullen cracked in explaining the venture, "even the Tea Party folks should like us." That is, because the nonprofit is not seeking government funds, she explains.
So far the collective has been participating in health fairs, but PACH already has a facility near the Ranch Market on Roosevelt and 16th Streets, which volunteers have been renovating. But they need money to get the place up and running.
Hence Saturday night's fundraiser at the Crescent Ballroom, with doors open at 7:00 p.m., and music starting at 8:00 p.m. As mentioned, general admission is $10 for this 21 and over show.
The Crescent Ballroom is located at 308 N. 2nd Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85003, just North of Van Buren on 2nd Avenue. One block west of the Van Buren Light Rail station.
There's also a raffle with "an autographed Alkaline Trio guitar," which I presume will be autographed by TTP. All proceeds from the raffle and the concert go to help PACH get off the ground.
A better way to spend the eve, I cannot imagine. Enjoy.
