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Bands play charity show at Packard

Three bands will play for two charities at a benefit concert Saturday at Packard Music Hall.

The Vindys, The Speedbumps and Party of 2 will raise money for two organizations with ties to Kent State University at Trumbull.

Rock4 Reason, was founded by Frank and Heather Lindsay of Mineral Ridge and Matt and Jennifer Durno of Warren to provide financial assistance and support for families dealing with cancer or other terminal illnesses. Frank Lindsay is manager of information technology at Kent-Trumbull.

The other beneficiary is Flash’s Food Panty, which will aid Kent-Trumbull students and their families and is slated to open in late November.

“We’re hoping the folks who come have a great time,” Frank Lindsay said, “and we hope to raise some money both for Rock4Reason and the Kent-Trumbull food pantry and get awareness out there.”

The Vindys have been embraced by the Akron / Youngstown public radio station The Summit, and the group has expanded its touring reach since the release of its debut full-length album, “Keep Going,” in 2017. The group has headlined shows in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Youngstown in addition to gigs closer to home.

Probably the band’s biggest show was Federal Frenzy in April in Youngstown, where it played for thousands who gathered in front of the main stage to watch the hometown heroes.

“That was a pretty cool moment,” lead singer Jackie Popovec said. “There were people for days and days, as far back as the Home Savings building. With the cold and everything, we didn’t know what to expect.”

The band released its latest single, “Want Your Heart,” earlier this month.

“We’ve been sitting on it since summertime wondering what to do with it — wait for it to be on the next album or release it as a single,” Popovec said. “That one was pretty much ready to go, so we just had to pull the trigger on it.

“We previewed it the day before (its release) on The Summit, and (Program Director) Brad (Savage) played it twice back to back, which they don’t ever do anymore on radio.”

“Chase Your Heart” is one of a few new songs folks can expect to hear on Saturday. Popovec said she likes to gauge the audience’s reaction to the new material, and in general the songwriting process has become more collaborative. Popovec has co-written several songs with Rick Deak for the next record, and all of the band has had input in arrangements.

For Saturday’s concert, the core lineup — Popovec, lead vocals and guitar; John Anthony, guitar and harmony vocals; Deak, guitar and harmony vocals; Ed Davis, drums and harmony vocals; and Scott Boyer, bass — will be joined by a horn section.

“That’s my favorite way to be on stage, with the whole family band,” Popovec said. “And having The Speedbumps coming on right before us should be great.”

Outside of performing together along with 28 other acts as part of The Summit’s 330 Day concert in March, Saturday will be the first time the two bands have played on the same bill. The Speedbumps, led by Erik Urycki, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a concert at The Kent Stage.

Starting the evening will be Party of 2, featuring Katelyn DeLadurantey and Joe Richley.

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