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Live-stream concert to help Old Town shops

BY KRISTINE CANNON

Progress Staff Writer

Scottsdale Arts may have temporarily closed its doors to Scottsdale

Center for the Performing Arts and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, but the show must go on — virtually.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will host a free, intimate concert on Facebook and YouTube called “Rockin’ for Old Town” on Saturday, June 13, at 6 p.m.

As the name suggests, the virtual concert will raise money for Old Town merchants.

“When our community approached us with this idea, we immediately wanted to be part of something fun and creative, that unites great Scottsdale musicians and entrepreneurs in support of local business,” said Gerd Wuestemann, president and CEO of Scottsdale Arts.

While the concert is free to stream, viewers are encouraged to purchase a ticket that will not only bene�it local businesses but will also enter attendees into a guitar raf�le.

On the lineup are rock group Jeff Senour & Called to Serve; the Michael Bruce Group, headlined by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and former guitarist of the Alice Cooper group; and Pearl Ridge, a high-energy cover band that will perform an acoustic set.

“People are yearning for live music during this troublesome time and not everyone feels comfortable going out to a restaurant or sports grill to see their favorites perform,” said Kirsten Plambeck, Pearl Ridge lead singer and Scottsdale resident.

Pearl Ridge is no stranger to performing virtual shows.

The band started doing livestreams

“I’ve personally seen a ton of musiLocal businesses were hit hard twice: “Scottsdale is a magical place where cians doing the live-streaming. There as a result of the pandemic and followpeople from all over the world come are some musicians that that’s their ing the protests and looting that took to visit and enjoy their lives,” he cononly source of income,” Plambeck said. place in the Old Town area last weektinued. “This is our part in helping it “It’s been a lot of fun to see everyone’s end. to survive and recover from an unpreccomments on the live feed and people “People are wondering how they are edented time.” have been generous to tip us.” going to survive and this concert is our Scottsdale Arts recommends casting

Called To Serve’s singer-songwriter contribution to help bring everyone tothe concert to your TV for the ultimate Jeff Senour said the band is excited to gether to rise again and be successful,” viewing experience. participate in “Rockin’ for Old Town.” Senour said.

Senour views it as their way to help bring people together and, he said, help Wuestemann told the Progress that Scottsdale Arts will plan a lottery If You Attend the world heal.

“Kindness right now is the most important cure for healing we can do right now, whether it’s eliminating the virus or reducing division and hatred that to among the more-than 100 merchants in Old Town.

“Since all of the bands and production professionals are donating their services and Scottsdale Arts absorbs all venue, marketing, and staff cost, 100 percent of the revenues from sales, donations, and the raf- �le will go back to our Old Town merchants,” Wuestemann said.

“Rockin’ for Old Town” is part of Scottsdale Art’s new mini music series called Summer Streams, which will feature local artists.

“From Jeff Senour and Called To Serve, we are honored and Jeff Senour & Called To Serve are one of three bands performing in Scottsdale Arts’ virtual concert and fundraiser, “Rockin’ for Old Town.” (Courtesy of Called To Serve) thrilled to bring you our music and hope we are able to raise a lot every other week to stay connect with Among those he hopes to help are of money for the local their fans. struggling businesses. businesses of Scottsdale,” Senour said.

At the end of the event, they will draw 20 winning businesses to whom an equal portion of the proceeds will be

“Rockin’ for Old Town”

When: June 13 at 6 p.m. Tickets: $10 optional ticket purchase for a guitar raffl e Website: scottsdaleperformingarts.org exist around us these days,” Senour said. distributed.