Following in the success of last year's Giving a Second Chance: Benefit for National Foundation for Transplants, New Jersey-based internet radio station BlowUpRadio.com returns with its second annual event March 4th and March 5th. The benefit again brings musicians together to perform live on its station, raising funds for those in need of financial assistance upon facing a life-changing organ or tissue transplant.
This year's event is poised to garner even more funds and awareness for the National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) with a stellar line up consisting of 20 popular local artists who traverse a gambit of genres from easing listening to punk rock and everything in between.
The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals who are in need of organ or tissue transplants through financial assistance, advocacy, and emotional support. NFT sets up local fund-raising campaigns in honor of patients enrolled with NFT.
"Last year’s benefit was so successful, there was no question about bringing it back in 2023," says Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com. "Everyone involved felt good about doing something special, so it was obvious we had to do it again this year. Working closely once again with Catherine Wacha, a transplant recipient and longtime BlowUpRadio.com featured performer and friend, we are really excited about the line-up and collection of songs that make up this year's benefit. So, please listen, donate and download. This is a great way to help people in need while also hearing some amazing music."
Artists will perform live from their own studios which will be broadcasted via BlowUpRadio.com, which is accessible all around the world. The two-day webathon will be easily accessible to anyone via an internet connected device where they can listen in the comfort of their own home, car, workplace or anywhere they wish.
A special donation page will be set up on the National Foundation for Transplants website for people to donate during the webathon. Everyone who donates will get a download of a special compilation, containing over 40 previously unreleased songs.
"I can tell you from first hand experience that managing a chronic illness is a stressful endeavor both mentally and financially," shares Catherine Wacha. "After 20 years of battling Lupus and Chronic Kidney Disease, I found myself in need of a kidney transplant. I had health insurance but a transplant surgery costs $250,000-$300,000 if everything goes well. So, not only was I incredibly stressed about needing a rather extreme treatment but I had no idea exactly how much I was going to owe but did know I'd be out of work without pay for at least three months. The National Foundation For Transplants helped ease the burden for me. When Lazlo asked if I wanted to work on a benefit with him in the spring I thought this would be the perfect time to be able to give back and help some of the people who may not otherwise reach their needed goal."
Artists scheduled to perform during this year's Giving a Second Chance: a Benefit for National Foundation for Transplants Webathon include: Amanda Rose Riley, Catherine Wacha, Diego Allessandro, erase:rewind, Greg McGarvey, Happy Joe Canzano, Jack McManus from Nick and the Leg-Heavy Boys, Jason Didner, Jerry Lardieri (The Brixton Riot), Joe Billy, Mark Owen Nutto & The Unemployed Teachers, Mark Parker, Pearl Manhattan, Pete Jager, Sean Faust, Shotgun Bill, Teen Idle, The Fisherman & The Sea, The Gattsville Creeper, The Mighty Alrighty, and Yupanki (artists performing are subject to change)
The digital compilation, which will be available by donating to the National Foundation for Transplants will include previously unreleased songs from: Alex Klages, Amanda Rose Riley, Bruce Tunkel, Chris Leaves, Chris Rollason, Coolparadiso, d.smith, David L Graham, Deena, Diego Allessandro, Dragondreams, Ear Goggles, Ferocious Designs, Frank Patrouch, Garry Kirby Featuring Catherine Wacha, Gwyn Jones, Happy Joe Canzano, Helen Robertson, J Peck, Jason Didner, Jerry Lardieri (The Brixton Riot), Joe Billy, Jon Horne, Mark Owen Nutto & The Unemployed Teachers, Mark Parker, Michael Karns, Moon Raccoon, Nancy Rost, Pearl Manhattan, Pete Jager, Renee Maskin, Richard Masters, Robyn McKenzie, Scott Making Cents, Shotgun Bill, Simon Ashby, Somebody Club, Stuart Benbow, T.C. Elliot, Tammy Jann, The Fisherman & The Sea, The Gattsville Creeper, The Livesays, The Mighty Alrighty, The Random Hubiak, Tommy Strazza, and Yupanki (artists on compilation are subject to change)
National Foundation for Transplants exists to save lives and remove barriers which delay or prevent transplantation. NFT is headquartered in Memphis, TN and serves all 50 states and U.S. Territories. You can find out more about them at https://transplants.org
BlowUpRadio.com is "Where NJ Rock Lives". For over 22 years they have been a website & Internet radio station supporting New Jersey’s local, original music scene by playing predominantly unsigned New Jersey bands. For more information on Giving a Second Chance & BlowUpRadio.com go to www.blowupradio.com
