×

Fest raises funds for autism

Last year, Joshua “Mike” Owens played the drums for 24 hours to raise money and awareness for autism.

This year, he’s getting some help from other drummers, musicians, singers and comedians.

Several area acts will take part in Blue Daze, a two-day music festival at the Warren Community Amphitheatre that will raise money for the Mikeyfied Fund for Adult Autism.

“After the world record event last year, this year we wanted to do something just as big if not bigger,” said Owens, who is the vice president and director of operations for Mikeyfied. “The idea came through a board member to do a two-day festival to bring everyone together, raise awareness about autism and raise money for the Mikeyfied fund.”

The lineup will feature a mix of country and rock acts. Amanda Jones and the Family Band, Anvah and the McCabes will play Friday, and Northern Whiskey, Blue Siren, Classic Cruisers, Simple Truth, Bad Seed, Rachell Joy and comedian Shane Herman and friends will perform Saturday.

Owens said they relied on the expertise of Jim Keefer, lead pastor at Heavens Edge Metal Church in Christ, to assemble the entertainment lineup.

General admission is $10. VIP tickets will be available for Saturday, which include front row seating, meet-and-greets with the performers and catering from lead sponsor Texas Roadhouse, which will be cooking on site for the VIP tent.

Food stands and other vendors will be set up at the amphitheater, and the Mikeyfied Fund will have an information booth and a Kidz Zone with children’s activities.

Owens is hoping to draw 1,000 people over two days.

“I’d like to see us raise $10,000 through this event,” he said. “Last year, we raised about $5,000 with the world record drumathon and I’d like to see that doubled.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
     

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.85/week.

Subscribe Today