Benefit concerts planned for Ozone Lounge, State Theatre in Albany

ALBANY — The catchphrase “#AlbanyStrong” has made its way onto marquees and T-shirts, and even into a local pop-singer’s repertoire lately. But the truth of that mantra has been best expressed through action, such as massive volunteer efforts and benefit events that accurately portray the strength and unification of a city hit hard by disaster.

This willingness of community members to help their fellow man in a time of need continues this weekend and next, as two more benefit concerts are planned.

The first benefit show will take place at the Ozone Lounge, located at 4226 Cordele Road, today. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.

“Well, I was born and raised right there on County Line Road,” said benefit organizer Heather Simmons. “We know a lot of people who had a bunch of damage when the tornado came through, especially out there close to County Line Road. I was talking to a promoter with Country Crunk Music, and we got our resources together to put this show on to give back to the community.”

According to Simmons, entertainers Chris Ewing, Big Jimmy, Roy Butler and local group the Page Brothers will perform. Tickets are $5 or a non-perishable item.

“The United Way is the beneficiary of this show,” said Simmons. “They are going to be there on the scene. All proceeds from the event will go to the United Way, and all the items that we collect — clothes, food or anything of that nature — will go to churches that are affiliated with the United Way.”

For more information about the Ozone benefit, contact Dennis Cassidy at (954) 709-2702.

The second benefit show is planned for April 1 at Albany’s State Theatre, located at 313 Pine Ave. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m.

Larry “Little Luther” Mallory is the organizer and performer of the event. Mallory, no stranger to disaster in the form of cancer, having had several close relatives suffer from the devastating disease, wanted to use his talent to give back.

“I am doing a tribute concert to Luther Vandross, and a portion of the proceeds are going to go to the American Cancer Society,” he said. “I have been singing ever since I was in junior high, and I was the winner of the Fox 31 X-Factor competition. I have been singing for a long time and have even done three appearances with Patti LaBelle. Last year, I lost an uncle to cancer and my mom had cancer, but survived.”

According to Mallory, the April 1 show is just a start for more benefits that he has planned for the future.

“This show is just a stepping stone for me,” he said. “I want to do something for Alzheimer’s, and I want to do something for diabetes. Anything that I put my name on, some of the proceeds will go back to a foundation or some type of benefit.”

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information about the Luther Vandross tribute benefit concert, contact the State Theatre at (229) 436-1228.