Relief efforts for people affected by the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continue unabated, even after much of the damage has passed.
Woods and Water, located on Summit Ridge in Tuscaloosa, will host the Save the Blue concert at 5:30 p.m. tonight to benefit the Gulf Coast Angler’s Association and marshland cleanup efforts.
“These are the guys who have been really hit by the oil spill,” Woods & Water marketing director Mark Hughes said.
The Gulf Coast Angler’s Association includes a wide range of people who use the Gulf Coast as their source of income. The oil spill has affected a diverse group of people, from store and condo owners to charter boat businesses.
The benefit is a way for musicians to help by raising as much money as they can for the cause. The people on the Gulf Coast will feel the effects for a long time, and having the chance to help this far away from the coast is great, said Joey Laycock, guitarist and vocalist for MOJO Trio, one of the bands performing.
“It’s long from over for a lot of people,” he said. “The least we can do is donate our time.”
The artists performing at the concert are Steven Padilla, The Whiskey River Band, MOJO Trio, Desperate Measures and CMT recording artist Crossin Dixon. The concert will last from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Along with the music, Applebee’s will be selling food, and several vendors will have booths, including Under Armour, Oakley and Columbia Sportswear. It’s a way for the vendors who have been affected by the oil spill to get involved, Hughes said.
Tickets are $10 if purchased before the concert and $20 at the gate. They are available at Woods & Water and also include a coupon on the back for $10 off your next purchase at Woods & Water. All of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Gulf Coast Angler’s Association.
“We don’t want to turn anybody away, but we want them to know there’s a limit,” Hughes said. “Right now we’re probably 80 percent complete with our ticket sales.”
Participants can also enter to win an Arctic Cat 4×4 wheeler, which will be given away Saturday. A random drawing will take place in which people who sign up for Woods & Water’s Facebook or e-mail list can win free t-shirts, Hughes said.
Bradley Wyatt, drummer for Desperate Measures and owner of Rhythm & Brews, said they are really looking forward to doing a show for all ages and catering to a different cause.
“It’s exciting for us to get out and plan an event such as this one when so many other great bands are playing,” Wyatt said. “My first reaction was ‘let’s make it big.’”
The event will be held at Woods & Water and Hughes said people should make sure to bring their lawn chairs.
“We’re proud that they asked us and that we’re able to help,” Laycock said. “We’re excited to be a part.” Information box:
Tickets $10 early $20 dollars at gate
Can be purchased at Woods & Water
Concert starts at 5:30 p.m.
Proceeds go to Gulf Coast Angler’s Association
