ROCKINGHAM — Two local bands will be shredding into the night at VFW Post 4203 for the annual Rockin’ for Veterans concert.
The event, now in its sixth year, was started by the post’s auxiliary chapter in 2016 and has been held every year but 2020 — during the COVID pandemic — and 2023. In place of last year’s event, the auxiliary hosted the beach music-themed Shagging for Our Soldiers in January of this year.
Rockin’ for Veterans serves as a fundraiser to provide care packages to selected units and local service members stationed overseas.
The Jonathan Robinson Band will kick off the show at 6 p.m.
Robinson, a Richmond County native who spent several years playing in Nashville, will be joined by Joe Felice on bass and Robert Dufresne on drums — and harmonica. Dufresne served in the U.S. Army Special Forces as a Green Beret.
Robinson has performed at Rockin’ for Veterans in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022, as well as Shagging for Our Soldiers earlier this year.
The blues-rock set list often includes several original tunes in addition to covers of songs from the likes of Jimi Hendrix, the Allman Brothers Band and Tom Petty.
Headlining the show this year is Ponder Louder — the latest incarnation of a local band that’s been rocking Richmond County for years.
The band has performed in the benefit show with different lineups in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2021. This will be the first time at Rockin’ for Veterans and the second local show with the current lineup.
The current incarnation is Kevin Butler and Billie Adiemy on vocals, Shawn Tracy on guitar, Joe Dellapi on bass and Danny Aguiar on drums.
Longtime Ponder production guru Bobby Pearce will be running sound and lights for the entire show.
A $10 donation will be collected at the door.
Following his set, Robinson will pack up for an 8 p.m. gig at Striker’s Lounge.
Live music in the county kicks off on Friday with Chuck Smith and Nikki Fletcher performing at Hudson Brothers Deli; and the Blewett Dam Band will play at Axe to Grind in Hamlet, with Taylor Bowersock opening.
