A story in yesterday’s Howard County edition of The Sun gave an incorrect day for the GrooveFest96 benefit concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion. The concert will be held tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Sun regrets the error.
The Martians are coming to Merriweather Post Pavilion this Sunday — one of six area bands performing in GrooveFest 96, an annual concert to raise money for ailing youngsters whose wishes are fulfilled through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The charity organization’s mission is to grant wishes for 2 1/2 -year-olds to 18-year-olds who suffer from terminal or life-threatening illnesses. Through the group, some children have visited Disney World, while others have met their favorite athletes.
The Martians, of Baltimore, and five other area bands will perform from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. April 27 at the concert pavilion, said Scott Martucci, an assistant GrooveFest coordinator. Tickets are $6.50 and may be purchased at the pavilion’s door, at Cover to Cover bookstore and cafe in Owen Brown or Mumbles & Squeaks Toy Gallery in Ellicott City.
This is the third year for the show, which Leah Schneider, 17, a senior at Hammond High School, coordinates with other young people.
Last year, 500 tickets were sold for the six-band show at Kahler Hall in the Harpers Choice Village Center. That show raised about $2,000 for the mid-Atlantic chapter, but because of expenses only $1,000 went to the charity group. Organizers want to double the funds this year — hence the larger venue.
The average cost to fulfill a child’s wish is $4,400, organizers said.
“What we’re trying to do is twofold,” Mr. Martucci said. “We’re trying to get some local bands to play so people can see them and get to know them a little better. And while we’re doing that we figure we might as well raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“There are a lot of people out there less fortunate than us and if we can help them out, we might as well do it,” he continued. “It’s an obligation.”
To help the concert organizers, Merriweather Post has donated the use of its lawn space, and Patowmack Toy Shop in The Mall at Columbia has donated a $550 Alice in Wonderland chess set to be raffled to help defer some of the concert’s expenses.
For more information call Leah Schneider at 381-2832 or Scott Martucci and his sister, Nina Martucci, at 381-8665.
Pub Date: 4/25/96
