ROCKINGHAM — Three bands will take the stage Saturday evening at VFW Post 4203 in Rockingham to raise money to support those serving in the military.
The post’s auxiliary is hosting its inaugural Shagging for Our Soldiers event starting at 6 p.m.
Auxiliary President Robin Roberts said some post members “didn’t really get into” the harder rock associated with the annual Rockin’ for Veterans concert that started in 2016.
So with that in mind, and the local love for beach music and shagging, she decided to tone it down a little and try to get a different audience.
The event had originally been slated in 2023, but had to be rescheduled.
Local guitarist Jonathan Robinson kicks off the show with a blues-based setlist, followed by the Safety Committee. The Beach Fever Band, featuring members from both Richmond and Scotland counties, will headline the show, playing from 9 p.m. until.
The Beach Fever Band has been performing across the region for the past several years, with their first show at the Berry Patch in March of 2021.
The Beach Fever lineup includes bassist Gary Raines and guitarist Carl Giddens, both of Rockingam; Kevin Parrish of Hamlet on vocals, saxophone and guitar; drummer NiQuan Sims of Maxton; and Zachary Kendall on vocals, keyboard, trumpet, trombone — and occasionally guitar and drums.
Robinson’s band features drummer Rob Dufresne, who served in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret, and Joe Felice on bass. Dufresne is also a member of VFW Post 4203.
The Safety Committee includes guitarists Chuck Smith and Mervyn Celso (who also plays keyboards), drummer Eddie Brown and bassist Patrick Razon, who also plays with the Ponder Project.
The Safety Committee previously performed at Rockin’ for Veterans in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021; Robinson performed in 2017,2018, 2019 and 2022.
Hot dog plates will be sold at the event.
The post will also be collecting non-perishable foods at the event to take to the VFW state convention in a drive to support homeless veterans in North Carolina.
Roberts said Rockin’ for Veterans is scheduled for Sept. 14, with the bands to be announced later.
She also said the auxiliary plans to continue both concerts, with the shagging show in the earlier part of the year and Rockin’ for Veterans in the fall.
Proceeds from both shows will go toward providing care packages for local servicemembers overseas.
NOTE: This story was updated to include information about the food drive. 3:44 p.m. 1-24-24
