New State & Madison video promotes 'Friends, Giving' benefit show

Chicago-based alternative rock band State & Madison is on the verge of a new album release. But first, they want to help a friend.

On Saturday, Nov. 24, State & Madison headlines "FRIENDS, GIVING: A Rock 'n' Roll Formal Fundraiser for Our Friend Kat Lewis" at Wicker Park's Subterranean. The benefit show, which also features Molehill, Jess Godwin and Tall Doug, will raise funds to help defray expenses related to Lewis' medical therapy.

Lewis suffers from a rare degenerative disease called x-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, which prevents her body from processing vitamin D, causing her bones to become brittle. It forced her to leave her job stage managing musicians and festivals because of the excruciating pain and concerns about her breaking bones, according to the GoFundMe page.

"Our friend Kat has been passionate about helping artists her whole life," said Nickolas Blazina, guitar and vocals for the band. "And she's never complained about a pretty painful disease she's lived with her whole life. Thankfully our friend Rachel convinced her that there is hope out there if you simply allow yourself to see it."

That hope comes in the form of a gene-editing drug, which could help strengthen her bones and relieve her pain. But the therapy is expensive.

"She's got hope," Blazina said. "This gene therapy trial gives her eyes a new twinkle. ... We thought we'd do our part to bring people together for her."

Proceeds from the door and ticket sales will directly benefit the fund to assist Lewis with expenses related to the medical trials. Friends can also donate directly to the GoFundMe page.

State & Madison is promoting the show with a release of "Be. Here. Now." - a video directed by Kyle Dunleavy featuring a track from the band's upcoming full-length, "We Are Two Parts of the Same Thing." Side A of the album premieres Monday, Nov. 26.

<b>FRIENDS, GIVING: A Rock 'n' Roll Formal Fundraiser for Our Friend Kat Lewis featuring State & Madison, Molehill, Jess Godwin and Tall Doug</b>

<b>When:</b> 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24

<b>Where:</b> Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., Chicago

<b>Tickets:</b> $15-$20. (773) 278-6600, subt.net or ticketweb.com

<i> Read about State & Madison's new release next week at dailyherald.com/entertainment/ and in the Friday Time out! entertainment section.</i>