The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will present “The Classic Rock & Roll Party – a Tribute to Clarence Clemons” to benefit HomeSafe on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Hard Rock Live. The charitable musical event will bring together classic musicians Jake Clemons, Davy Jones (The Monkees), Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), Gary U.S. Bonds, J.T. Bowen, Alan White (YES), Bobby Blotzer (RATT) and more to honor the “Big Man’s” and HomeSafe’s continuing mission of helping victims of child abuse and domestic violence in South Florida.
For the last five years, the legendary saxophonist and member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band had served as host of HomeSafe’s annual fundraising initiative helping to raise considerable amounts of money. Sadly, Clemons passed away unexpectedly in June from complications of a stroke.
“Clarence was an amazing person, not only as a talented musician but as a truly compassionate individual dedicated to helping victims of child abuse,” said Matt Ladika, CEO of HomeSafe. “Clarence’s impact on HomeSafe is immeasurable and will be sorely missed. It is now our honor to produce this first-class tribute to the ‘Big Man’s’ life and memory and to reflect upon all that he accomplished in helping countless numbers of abused children.”
This year’s event co-chairs, Bill Berger, senior partner and managing partner for the Palm Beach offices at Greenspoon Marder, and Rex Kirby, president and general manager of Suffolk Construction (Southeast Region), promise a continuation of Clemons’ generous spirit and celebrated efforts.
More than 500 attendees will bid on an impressive array of live and silent auctions and will enjoy an energetic and rocking celebrity jam session produced by Grammy and Emmy award-winning musical producer John Colby with Nicko McBrain, drummer for Iron Maiden, serving as emcee.
Jake Clemons, talented saxophonist and nephew of Clarence Clemons, will play in honor of his uncle, along with Temple of Soul, the creation of the Big Man, serving as the evening’s house band.
Also performing will be singer, Gary U.S. Bonds, of the #1 hit “Quarter to Three,” “This Little Girl is Mine” and “New Orleans.” Bonds experienced a career resurgence with Dedication and On the Line, working off collaborations with Springsteen, Clemons and other members of the E Street Band.
Davy Jones, musical TV heartthrob from The Monkees, will electrify the audience with his smash hits including “I’m a Believer,” “Daydream Believer” and other crowd-pleasers. In addition to singing, Jones will have an interactive role with the audience.
Powerful singer, JT Bowen, a long-time personal friend of Clarence Clemons from New Jersey and lead singer for the Big Man’s former band the Red Bank Rockers along with friends of Nicko McBrain, drummers Alan White from YES and Bobby Blotzer from RATT will also attend and perform.
Brett Loewenstern, a top contestant and fan favorite from the most recent season of American Idol will sing with the School of Rock band, a group of highly accomplished youth performers from Palm Beach County.
Victoria Clemons, wife of Clarence Clemons, will give a live, personal tribute to her husband followed by a video tribute.
Tickets for “The Classic Rock & Roll Party – a Tribute to Clarence Clemons” are $500 per person, and include a full course sit-sown meal, beverages and live entertainment. Sponsorship opportunities, tickets and more information are available at www.theclassicforhomesafe.org or by calling 561-383-9860 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 561-383-9860 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.