Ronnie James Dio will be remembered with benefit concert for cancer fund
Musicians are coming together to rock – and to fight cancer – in honor of Ronnie James Dio at a concert in the park.
The Rock for Ronnie Concert in the Park is set for May 7 at Los Encinos Historic Park in Encino to benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.
“When Ronnie passed away, I said I’d keep Ronnie’s music and legend alive, and that’s what this is for – and to raise money for this cancer fund. Every penny goes to research and education,” said Wendy Dio, manager and wife of the late heavy metal singer who performed in bands such as Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell.
The singer died of gastric cancer in 2010 at the age of 67.
The concert will start at noon with a Southern rock set by Jason Charles Miller, the frontman and founder of the industrial rock band Godhead.
He’ll be followed on the bill by Van Halen tribute band The Atomic Punks and then Steamroller, which includes members of Dio and Whitesnake. Also on the bill are the Dio Disciples, which includes members of the original Dio band.
The event will be hosted by radio and television personality Eddie Trunk and include an auction featuring rock memorabilia plus food trucks and vendor booths.
The night will close out with a jam featuring about two dozen musicians including Keith Nelson of Buckcherry, Adrian Vandenberg of Whitesnake, Ricky Warwick from Thin Lizzy, Neil Turbin from Anthrax and others.
“It’s a celebration and just a real fun afternoon,” Dio said.
The event usually includes a motorcycle ride to the park but due to logistical issues this year, Dio said they decided to skip the ride portion, which she hopes to bring back next year.
The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund has already raised more than $2 million since its inception in 2011.
“Ronnie’s been gone 12 years now, but his music will last forever,” Dio said.
“I’m happy we can do something in Ronnie’s name to hopefully help some people and stop this terrible disease and make people aware of getting early detection,” she said.
Rock for Ronnie Live Concert
When: Noon- 5 p.m. May 7
Where: Los Encinos State Historic Park, 6756 Moorpark St, Encino
Cost: $50 in advance, $75 at the door
Information: eventbrite.com