Dead Bank brings its Grateful Dead salute to the K of C this Saturday as part of a matinee musicfest in support of the Wounded Warrior Project.
Asbury Park might get the ink as the city “Where Music Lives,” but the bars, parks and sidewalks of the greater Red Bank Green can surely boast their share of bands, balladeers and bluesfolk.
This Saturday afternoon, a shufflemix of top local talent convenes in Fair Haven for a fundraiser showcase that could only be called Tunes for Our Troops.
A benefit for the nonprofit Wounded Warrior Project and its rehabilitative and transitional programs for severely injured service members, the four-hour fest takes place at the Fair Haven hall of the Knights of Columbus – Red Bank Council 3187. Kicking off at 2pm, it’s an event for which active service members will be admitted free of charge.
Among the bands on the bill: the cleverly named and logo’d Grateful Dead tribute project known as Dead Bank, anchored by sole guitarist (and Safe Routes Red Bank co-founder) Jim Willis. He and bandmates (bassist Nash Aliaga, keyboard man Jack Pyrah, drummer Jason LaViola, percussionist Barry Schneider) can be found at borough nitespots like The Dublin House and Jamian’s, where they’re in regular rotation for the weekly Grateful Thursday sessions.
Also slotted is Red Bank’s unofficial Musical Mayor — red-hot guitarist Chuck Lambert, paired here with bluesy chantoozy Susan Haugenes as A Cool Blues Duo.
Another frequent fryer of the fretboard — international champion blues guitarist Matt O’Ree — performs with his band, and the program is completed with Motherboard and Fair Haven’s own contribution to the Shore blues-rock barband scene, The Haven.
Tickets for the December 17 show are priced at $20, and are available at the door or in advance by calling (732) 693-7295. The K of C is at 200 Fair Haven Road.