Rock the Halls: Holiday concert benefits Elgin charities

Last year, Tanner Bednar came up with an idea for a benefit concert called Rock the Halls after a discussion about world hunger in his philosophy class at The University of Illinois. The subject matter made him think about his hometown of Elgin.

“We were discussing why hunger exists,” he recalled. “Really, it shouldn't exist. There's no reason; it's an accumulation of political things.”

These thoughts led him to look into the statistics concerning Elgin's poverty issues.

“It was very alarming,” Bednar said.

It wasn't the first time Bednar acted upon a community concern. Before college and adulthood stepped in, Bednar and his band, The Reverends performed many a charity concert for Elgin's Community Crisis Center.

“Why not up the scale, bring in another charity?” he asked himself.

The question led Bednar to organize a day of music, food and fun called Rock the Halls held at Danny's on Douglas, to benefit the Community Crisis Center and Feeding Greater Elgin, a local food pantry.

“We were able to get pre-donations to help with the venue and then we were able to raise $5,000,” he said.

This year Tanner has once again called upon his former bandmates and current friends to try to top last year's success with a similar evening of entertainment that will run from 5 p.m. until midnight, Saturday, Dec. 26, once again at Danny's on Douglas, 213 Douglas Ave, Elgin.

“It's fun to get back together, since The Reverends don't get to play together very often,” said Brandon Couture of The Reverends. “So, even if it's once a year, it's nice because we're kind of a family and have that camaraderie.

Both Couture and Bednar credit their families for their philanthropic streak.

“The way we were raised, we all love Elgin so much. We love giving back to Elgin as often as we can,” Couture said.

“My parents used to help out families in need. They'd bring in kids who needed work and my dad would help find them a job. I was raised in that atmosphere,” Bednar said.

Despite a late start, as a result of a college transfer to University of Illinois and finals, Bednar considers the organizing of the event more fun than challenging.

Still, he reached out to neighbors and friends as well as his bandmates and to Rich Wagner of Rediscover Records for recommendations for the bands that will fill out the itinerary for the event.

“He knows every band that pops up. Three of the four bands performing were recommended by him,” Bednar said.

“They're all local bands,” said Wagner. “They're all good. Dirty Water is more of a blues/rock band, mostly original music. All of them have original music. Night Witch is more well-crafted pop songs. Danny Craig is the leader of that band; he used to be in The Love Shots, and Little Yellow Dog, more of an Americana rock. They're really tight.”

The United Way will also step up to help with the event, according to Judy Cabrera, Sponsor of United Way's youth program.

“We have 15-20 (volunteer) kids that will come,” she said. “The kids do monthly service projects.”

As far as Bednar is concerned, Cabrera has one word for him.

“Remarkable. As he's grown up, his parents volunteered a lot and he learned to give back to his community,” she said. “He's very good at getting people together. He's very enthusiastic at getting other people to volunteer.”

Although the money raised benefits the Crisis Center and Feeding Greater Elgin, the event will benefit both The Reverends and their fans, and music fans in general.

“All of us grew up here so it's always going to have a special place in our heart,” said Couture. “We love doing all we can do for the city and the people.”

If you go

What: Rock the Halls Holiday Concert

When: 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Dec. 26

Where: Danny's on Douglas, 231 Douglas Ave., Elgin.

Details: Second annual concert featuring five performers/bands, unlimited pizza and pop, raffle and auction, all benefiting Feeding Greater Elgin and Community Crisis Center.

Admission: $15, $10 for students with ID. Bring a nonperishable food donation.

Info: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/538876249600253/">www.facebook.com/events/538876249600253/</a>