Four years ago, Cause4Drama was the opening band for the inaugural Rock for a Cure that raised money for the Michael Cuccione Foundation, a Coquitlam-based charity that supports childhood cancer research.
Now, Rocky Milino Jr. and his fellow musicians are using that platform to help another medical non-profit to build awareness and collect cash: On Saturday, Cause4Drama will launch its first Rock4Child to benefit the CH.I.L.D.Foundation, a group that researches Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis and liver disorders.
Milino said he became interested in the organization as his family is close friends with Grace McCarthy, the former B.C. MLA who is the foundation board of directors'chair and whose grandchild has intestinal illnesses.
Milino and his brother, Pat, started performing at CH.I.L.D. fundraisers about two years. Rocky Jr. suggested to the charity to host a bigger draw for younger audiences and "they were all on board right away," he said.
Milino said he has plenty of backing from local bands for the concert that happens May 18 at the Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings St., Vancouver), with Jesus Krysler, Danny Echo and Sonic Outcast also playing.
"It's going to be a really great night with some hard rockers," said Milino, an Archbishop Carney graduate.
Meanwhile, also on Saturday night, Cause4Drama will release on iTunes its first single from its second CD. The title track is called One Kiss "and is a lot different from our last CD release - a little more pop/rock."
Tickets for Rock4Child are $5 in advance at Gallagher's Coffee Bar (232 Newport Dr., Port Moody) or through www.rock4child.com. Or buy them at the door for $10. A dollar from every ticket purchased will go to CH.I.L.D.
