Marklund's Music Fest to rock Geneva

For many people, festivals, picnics and outdoor music can define summer.

This weekend, Marklund, a not for profit organization that provides care and services to developmentally and physically challenged people, is offering a little of each at its fourth annual Music Fest, featuring a battle of the bands.

The bands will compete by age group: in the 18 and younger category are: Subway to Venice, a rock and funk band and Sevanate 9, pop/alternative. In the 18 and older group are Anxiety, whose genre is hard rock and, 3rd Degree Burn, which is also alternative rock.

All music is considered family friendly, according to organizers. The winner in each category will receive 15 hours of studio time at Waysound Recording Studio of Fox River Grove, a prize worth just under $700.

Justin LeBreck, CEO of Waysound Recording and master of ceremonies at the event will work in the studio with the winning bands.

"I've been working with Marklund for a couple of years," he said. "First and foremost I want to do something for the community around me.

"Everyone is a winner with it: the local music scene, the greater cause of Marklund; it's a good prize for everyone."

Aside from the band battle, an 80s and 90s tribute band, Voyager, will perform. Food and drink will be available and there will be a small craft show.

Although it's not one of the larger events taking place this summer, the music festival is greatly anticipated by the residents and families of Marklund.

"It's more of a community event than our other fundraisers," said Stevie Armbruster, development coordinator for Marklund.

Holding the fest on the grounds of Marklund's Mill Creek Campus in Geneva has been a boon for the residents and their families.

"One of the beautiful things about Music Fest is that it started as a client event," said Vicky Krystof, director of development for Marklund. "We realized that it was logistically impossible to transport all of our clients - which is 96 - out to a music fest; so we decided to bring it to them."

Marklund, which consists of the Geneva campus for adults and a center in Bloomingdale for children, is widely known for its personal, loving care offered to physically and mentally challenged patients. According to its website, the 56-year-old organization cares for people with disabilities that are the result of such situations as complications with during pregnancy and delivery, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, drug abuse, or genetic disorders.

Others acquired disabilities during infancy or childhood through tragic but common accidents involving cars, bicycles, skateboards, swimming pools, garage doors, or guns, many of which are not ambulatory and need 24 hour care.

Although it receives state funding, Marklund hosts several fundraisers each year to offset its operating costs. "We're committed to providing the highest quality care for individuals in our facilities," said Krystof. "To do that, we operate at a higher expense than the state reimburses us for services and we need to fundraise to cover that."

At the Music Fest a 50/50 raffle will take place during the show. Attendees can purchase raffle tickets and the winner will split the proceeds with Marklund; as a result there is no fee to attend.

"It's a lot of fun," said Armbruster. "We recommend people bring their own blankets and make it a picnic event."

If you goWhat: Marklund's fourth annual Music FestWhen: 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28Where: Marklund's Mill Creek Campus, 1S450 Wyatt Drive, GenevaHow much? FreeDetails: marklund.org/music-fest.htmlFalse20001481Judges rate bands at last year's Marklund Music Fest.Courtesy MarklundFalse