BRADENTON BEACH – The Rock Extravaganza benefit held at the Drift In on Oct. 15 raised nearly $7,000 for local musician Mack Black.
A $4,000 donation Black received from a Drift In patron before the benefit began brought the fundraising total to nearly $11,000.
Black plays bass and harmonica and sings lead and backing vocals with Dos-Macs and his long-time musical partner, Mike McConnell. The Sunday afternoon musical performances and all-star jams featured Dos-Macs, Koko Ray, The Cabana Dogs, Rob Hamm & the Daily Specials, Steve Paradis, Mikey Silbaugh, Tommy Balbo, Lance Biddle (who also provided the PA and ran sound), “Buzz,” Ronnie Soul, Mike Cunningham and the percussionist known as “Cajun.”
During the Dos-Macs’ performance, the vice president of The Renegades motorcycle club presented Black with a cash-filled envelope. Throughout the day, Black expressed his thanks and gratitude for the generous donations that will assist him with his living expenses and the medical bills he incurred during a recent hospital stay which caused him to miss several gigs and lose the musician’s income he depends on. He also thanked the Drift In and manager Doreen Flynn for their efforts.
The Drift In donated a lotto board containing a $100 bill surrounded by scratch-off lottery tickets. The raffle winner donated the $100 bill to Black. The winner of the liquor basket donated by Anna Maria Island Privateers re-raffled the basket and donated the additional funds to Black, as did some of the winners of the gift baskets and gift certificates donated by Clancy’s, Il Panificio pizzeria and others. The 50-50 raffle totaled $740, with half the proceeds given to Black.
Pig Out BBQ & Southern Soul Food donated pulled pork sandwiches and more, and several attendees brought dishes to share as part of the fundraising efforts.
“I want to thank everyone who came and donated and gave their time out of the kindness of their hearts,” Flynn said. “Thanks to all the musicians who donated their time for one of their fellow musicians. The music was amazing. Thanks to the Renegades, the Privateers, Pig Out, Clancy’s and everyone else for their generosity. And thanks to the Drift In ownership, employees and volunteers who helped make this very special day possible.”
