By DONNA BALANCIA – The 15th Annual Cruefest Hollywood will be held this Saturday at the Whisky A Go-Go and while it’s a fun concert event, it’s purpose is serious: To help fight cancer.
“Cruefest is one of few events in which the bands involved serve as a reminder of how precious life is — through their music and the common path we all walk,” said Mick Scott of Se7en Reasons Why, who performs this year. “Music serves as a time stamp in which we remember where we were and who we were in a particular point in our lives.”
In addition to Se7en Reasons Why, those playing the event are: Heartbreak Heroes from Oklahoma and Los Angeles; Snake Bite Whisky from Brisbane, Australia; Bad Boy Eddy from Northern California; Stonebreed; Wreking Crue from Detroit, and Blacklist Union, Lunden Reign, Westfield Massacre, and L.A. Story; all of whom are from Los Angeles.
“It’s important to participate because it’s for an amazing cause and it’s one of the best-run charity events in L.A.,” said Erik Hatchett, frontman for L.A. Story. His band made an appearance on “America’s Got Talent” earlier in the season. “We’re honored to play Cruefest Hollywood two years in a row.”
Since 2001, Cruefest Hollywood has been put on by the fans of the rock band Motley Crue to raise money for cancer charities in memory of Skylar Neil, Vince Neil’s daughter who passed away from cancer at age 4. Cruefest Hollywood was developed through the goodwill, generosity, dedication and energy of a group of fans from all over North America. The once-small event has grown over the past 15 years with similar charity events also being held in New England, Atlanta, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Canada and Australia.
Over the years Cruefest Hollywood has grown in attendance, funds raised for cancer research, and musician participation — bringing in artists from around the world. Event supporters and sponsors share their money for a great cause and artists and organizers give of their time and talents to make this event a success. The mission is to honor Skylar by raising money and awareness through the charitable event. Proceeds from the event go to Letty’s Angels of Hope.
Among those who have supported Cruefest Hollywood over the years are Vains of Jenna, Steven Alder, Daisy De La Hoya, The Erotics, The Lovehammers, and Dirty Penny. Neil Wharton, Vince Neil’s son, has headlined the event many times. Numerous Hollywood celebrities including Andrew Dice Clay have attended the event.
Scott said the volunteers and the folks who put the event together are owed a vote of gratitude.
“The people involved in Cruefest help make memories more vibrant through the selfless work they do in bringing this all together,” Scott said. “I’m happy they’ve asked me to be involved.”
For any last minute sponsorship opportunities or to donate an item to our raffle, send an email to cruefesthollywood@yahoo.com.
For information on tickets, bands, sponsors, prizes, hotels, etc. visit the Cruefest Hollywood website at www.hollywoodcruefest.com.
Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cruefesthollywood.
For more information on Letty’s Angels of Hope go to www.lettysangels.org.
When and Where: Cruefest Hollywood takes place at The Whisky A Go Go on Saturday. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with the first band starting at 5 P.M.
