BATH

The Bath Lodge of Elks is fighting back against cancer with a party featuring Portland based ’80s cover band The Awesome on Saturday night. The money raised from the event will go to the Barbara Bush Maine Children’s Cancer Program, and the event is one of several concert fundraisers the Lodge of Elks will host this year. Bands who take part in the fundraisers typically only charge a discounted fee, donating the majority of the money raised to various causes.

“I’m ecstatic that bands are able to still do this,” said Lodge of Elks Executive Director Alicia Rice. “The Awesome gave us a very discounted rate, and the sound and tech guys are donating their time as well. To be able to get a well-known band like The Awesome is very cool.”

Awesome lead-singer Jennywren Walker said that the band typically tries to participate in a handful of nonprofit fundraisers each year.

“We believe that every dollar is able to make a difference,” said Walker. “No one has gone untouched by cancer.”

Walker said that the band gave their time and effort for the fundraiser for “no more than the sound set up cost.”

“We normally do about three nonprofits per year, which is pretty much all we can afford without dipping into our own pockets,” said Walker. “But sometimes there are causes when we go, ‘you know, we have that date open and we can make this happen out of our own pocket.’ We believe that any help we can give to families dealing with cancer should be given.”

The Awesome are no strangers to the Midcoast, either, Walker said.

“We used to perform at

M.J.’s tavern back when the Naval base was active,” said Walker. “We would do a show once every two months in the winter when college was full and people at the base were bored. We are looking forward to coming back up to the Midcoast.”

The Awesome performs a variety of ’80s hits, from songs by Prince and Madonna to INXS and Duran Duran. Band members typically dress in ’80s-style clothing and wear wigs and sun glasses to match the look of an ‘80s pop musician.

“I think it’s going to be a fun time up there,” said Walker. “We like playing to groups who like to party.”

Rice said that the last Elks Lodge concert fundraiser raised $3,000, and she is hoping to match that number with The Awesome concert Saturday.

“There’s no advance sales, so get to the door quick,” said Rice.

The Awesome will perform at the Lodge of Elks on Saturday, April 22 at 7 p.m. Food and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are $10 and can only be purchased at the door. The show is 21-plus.

bgoodridge@timesrecord.com

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