UPDATE: “American Idol” winner Caleb Johnson has been added to the performance lineup, according to organizer Mike Brinkley. Johnson is scheduled to perform several songs with White Soul.
WHAT: The 15th annual Make-A-Wish Christmas Party benefit concert
WHERE: The Orange Peel
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m.
WHY: For many musicians, taking the stage at a renowned concert venue can represent a dream realized. But a roster of local performers will go beyond self fulfillment at the 15th annual Make-A-Wish Christmas Party Benefit Concert. Proceeds from the event go to Make-A-Wish, a nonprofit that sends children with life-threatening illnesses on their chosen adventure of a lifetime.
“The entire venue will have Christmas decorations,” says Jason Taylor, who is co-organizing the event with Mike Brinkley of Wicked Quick Promotions. Meanwhile, a silent auction will offer eclectic items like bar stools and a neon clock from motor oil brands Shell, Pennzoil and Quaker State (Brinkley is employed by their distributor), a gift bag from Highland Brewing Co., Painting with a Twist gift certificates and a two-night stay at Crowne Plaza Resort.
The main attraction, however, is the live music lineup, which includes sets by White Soul (with guest artist and “American Idol” winner Caleb Johnson sitting in for several songs), The Log Noggins, The Company Stores, Up Dog, Colby Deitz, Andalyn and Rachel Alleman. For the headlining slot, Taylor’s band The Dirty Soul Revival will summon a sound he describes as “funky, gritty, Southern rock rooted in the dirty blues,” and Andrew Scotchie will join as a guest musician.
“We just finished our brand-new record [Welcome to the Black] in Kentucky with the Kentucky Headhunters’ producer and guitar player Richard Young,” Taylor says. “We’re trying to get it all zipped up and ready to throw out at this event.”
For more information or tickets ($12), visit theorangepeel.net. Advanced tickets are also available at Guitar Center and Music City Asheville.
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