The Ides of March to play at benefit
If you like guitars, country music or both, plan on attending the Parkinson's disease benefit "Concert for a Cure" Friday at Mill Creek in Geneva.
"As part of the evening's festivities, we will be auctioning off two guitars -- one donated by The Ides of March, our concert headliners, as well as a second signed by country superstar Kenny Chesney," said Paul Ruby, general manager of The Herrington Inn and Spa in Geneva.
Ruby, 44, was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's in 2006, the same form of the disease that actor Michael J. Fox has. Ruby subsequently founded the Paul Ruby Foundation for Parkinson's Research -- through which the funds raised at the concert and auctions will be funneled to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
"Through the concert, live and silent auctions and a golf tournament earlier in the day, we hope to raise between $50,000 and $100,000 to forward research currently being funded through the aggressive activities sponsored by the Michael J. Fox Foundation," Ruby said in a prepared statement.
The concert will begin with a benefit barbecue dinner starting at 6 p.m. at Mill Creek Golf Club, 39W525 Herrington Drive, Geneva. The Mark Ruby Jazz quartet will start the entertainment on the patio followed by rockabilly and blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Greg Boerner at 6:30 p.m.
WUSN morning radio personality Lisa Dent will then emcee the main stage festivities beginning at 7 p.m. Local country rock band Hoss will play.
Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns will host a live auction starting at 8:30 p.m. A silent auction will also take place from 6 to 10 p.m. elsewhere on the Mill Creek property. Big-ticket items to be auctioned off include $11,000 in jewelry donated by Rogers and Holland and a Yamaha scooter.
"Then at approximately 9:15, The Ides of March will take the stage. We couldn't be more excited about having them as our headliners," Ruby said.
Tickets are $50 per person for the dinner and benefit concert ($30 concert only) and can be purchased online at www.paulrubyfoundation.org. Tickets can also be purchased at Kiss the Sky, 301 W. State St., Geneva.
Call (630) 208-7433.