Foodstock concert to benefit victims of Harvey, Irma
Charity concert returns to ASU West Campus after multiyear hiatus
By Jon Gosa
ALBANY — Foodstock, a charitable food-drive concert featuring local musicians that began in 2002, returns after a multiyear hiatus to Albany State University West Campus on Thursday to support victims of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, according to event organizers.
Foodstock, the brainchild of Albany City Commissioner and Albany State professor Roger Marietta, originated as a combination outdoor concert event featuring multiple bands and musicians — much like the famed Woodstock concert of 1969 in New York state — and a charitable food-drive to raise nonperishable nutritional items for the less fortunate members of the Albany community.
“This has been a really great event over the years,” Marietta said. “In the past, the concert has really brought together college students, community members, local musicians, teachers, etc. all for a really good cause. That’s why we wanted to bring it back.”
Marietta has tasked many of his ASU students with the organization, advertising and implementation of the charity event.
“We have the Second Harvest of Georgia Food Bank on board,” ASU student Cheri Blackmon said. “That’s where all of our donations are going. Mostly right now they need food and blankets. So we will have boxes set up for that. There is just so much needed, not only in Albany, but across Georgia.”
According to Blackmon, at least six local bands/musicians are scheduled to play and more may join the roster.
“As far as the bands, we have probably six bands right now,” she said. “Each band will play about a 45-minute set. We have a couple of contemporary bands, a gospel band, a couple of hip-hop bands and also a high school band that plays all kinds of genres. It is going to be an all-day event, and we are hoping to have more of the community out here during the evening and more college students during the day.”
Foodstock admission is free with the donation of any unexpired nonperishable food item, bottled water, toiletries and/or blankets.
Foodstock kicks off at 2 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. at the ASU West Campus Tennis Courts pavilion.
For more information, contact Blackmon at (229) 338-6877.
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