On June 14, 2011, at Seattle, Washington’s renowned Triple Door Theater, several very special participants will be lending a hand to raise money for Gilda’s Club Seattle. In the words of Marlene Diskin (Development Director of Gilda’s Club Seattle), the aim of the Songs for June fundraiser is “to help ensure that when someone hears the words: ‘you have cancer,’ or ‘your child has cancer,’ or ‘your spouse has cancer,’ that we are here to help.” Songs for June was inspired by the memory of Gilda’s Club member June Draeger-Otis, whose family organized the event in her honor.
One of the most memorable finalists in American Idol’s 10-year history, Sanjaya Malakar, will be a featured performer at the event. Hot on the heels of his newly released single, Malakar will close the show and be accompanied by his band. Signed copies of his single, a danceable cover of the 1981 Squeeze hit “Tempted,” will be available for a donation to Gilda’s Club. And he’s not the only former Idol finalist pitching in.
The benefit will also include a silent auction during its two hour duration, featuring contributions from a variety of past Idol performers. Among these are items autographed by season five champion Taylor Hicks, as well as runners-up Bo Bice (season four), Blake Lewis (season six), and others. Taylor Hicks, who donated several hand-signed items including a copy of his 2007 memoir, said of the event, “I really hope a lot of money is raised for Gilda’s Club, it’s a great cause.”
Not limited to Idol-related memorabilia, a Seattle music legend has lent his support to the Songs for June silent auction. Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic signed a few of his former band’s CD sleeves to accompany an auction package that already included tickets to Seattle’s EMP. Nivana is the subject of a large exhibit, “Taking Punk to the Masses,” at the music museum. Novoselic voiced his approval, saying it is “good to work with a non-profit,” adding that Gilda’s Club is a “nice way to remember Gilda Radner [original Saturday Night Live cast member and namesake of the organization].”
Article comments
1 - Thomas
Glad that they are doing something useful and charitable. When do you think we will have more of the Idols turn out some quality albums and make some big waves.