Friends of MCC Foundation to host 'Listening for a Cause'

Listen to some local musicians as they perform rock, country, Americana and more at "Listening for a Cause," a fundraising event to support the Student Success Fund at McHenry County College, on Friday, June 22.

It will be 6:30 to 10 p.m. in the Listening Room at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road in Crystal Lake.

Entertainment will be provided by Belvederes with opening band Player Three.

The Belvederes, a rock group from Bartlett, features rock 'n' roll music, power-pop, roots/Americana, R&B and garage-soul. Members include John Michael Ford, lead vocals and guitar; Joe Alonzo, drums and vocals; Tyler Kock, bass guitar and vocals; and Joe Nocchi, guitar.

In 2015, they released their second full length CD, "Beggar's Heart," which received rave reviews. According to Rediscover Records, The Belvederes are "Round for round, pound for pound, easily, one of the best area bands around!"

Player Three features rock, country and Americana by lead singer/guitarist Mark Piekos, Andy Soderstrom on drums and Max Ellis on bass.

The trio has been performing together for about 10 years at various venues throughout the Northwest suburbs. With music from artists like Steve Earle, Fleetwood Mac, Jason Isbell, Paul Simon, and John Hiatt, Player Three brings an eclectic mix.

Sponsored by the Friends of McHenry County College Foundation, this is the third in a series of "Listening for a Cause" events that aim to support the MCC Student Success Fund that provides students with immediate financial support for expenses related to an unexpected unique emergency that places their continued education at risk.

Emergencies include an accident, illness, death of a family member, fire damage or need for temporary housing.

The Student Success Fund is a program that is sustained by continual contributions from students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the college.

"The primary purpose of the Student Success Fund is to keep students in class when unforeseen occurrences may impact the student's ability to stay in college and complete their educational goals," said Chris Gray, vice president of Academic and Student Affairs.

"We often see students who are living on the edge of balancing work, school, family and economic pressures," Gray said.

"While a flat tire or an unexpected dental bill may not mean much to some families, a small, unexpected bill can often mean the student has to make a choice between work and college. This fund helps students for those unexpected emergencies."

Admission is free, with donations encouraged and welcomed. A cash bar and snacks will be available.

"Listening for a Cause" is co-sponsored by Chris's Auto Repair and Specialty Shop.