Haley's parents headline Wheeling tornado benefit
Harry and Patti Reinhart, parents of “American Idol” contestant Haley Reinhart, will be headlining a benefit dinner and dance with their band Midnight on Sunday evening, June 12, in Wheeling.
Proceeds from the event will go to the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders in an effort to help victims of the recent tornadoes in America and earthquake/tsunami disaster in Japan, said Joe Taksin, who organized the event.
Patti Miller-Reinhart, who sings for Midnight, said she is glad to help out.
“It could happen to any one of us, and if that were the case, I hope that Red Cross could have enough to help everybody,” she said. “That's just terrible — to happen like that and wipe out so much.”
Reinhart said Midnight will perform from about 7 to 9 p.m. The group will be playing “the usual stuff,” but also might be joined by a new singer for a few Beatles covers.
While there will be a surprise guest at the event, Reinhart confirmed that it will not be Haley. Haley is returning to Los Angeles later this week to start rehearsing for the American Idol tour, which kicks off in West Valley City, Utah, on July 6. The tour is scheduled to be in Rosemont on Aug. 6.
In April 2010, Midnight performed at a similar benefit that Taksin organized to raise money for relief in Haiti. Taksin said he looks forward to hearing Midnight on Sunday because they play great rock ‘n roll music that every generation can dance to and enjoy.
“Harry is an excellent guitarist and Patti has that Janis Joplin sound — that's where Haley gets it from,” he said.
Other performers for the benefit include the Vinyl Covers, Greg Spero, Peter Spero and North Bound Train.
Tickets are $15 each and cover admission, a dinner from WaPaGhetti's Pizza and snacks. Additional money will be raised through raffle ticket sales for gifts and a split-the-pot cash prize.
Weather permitting, the event at AMVETS Post 66 at 700 McHenry Road will be held outdoors.
At last year's event, Taksin was able to raise $1,000 and this year, he hopes to double that.
“It's a chance for people to give back — to give to people that had what we have, and now don't have anything,” Taksin said.