Rockin’ at Rhodes

Rock & Rhodes Music Festival at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston was the place to be Sunday as over 500 people came together to support Shriners Children’s Hospital. The event, a family friendly rock show with bands from Rhode Island, New York and Boston, raised over $13,000.

Bands included the Steely Dan tribute Hey 19, The Midnight Callers, Giuliana Band Inc, The Fabulous Deluxtones and Soul Box.

Sponsors and donors included Cardi’s Furniture, Dave’s Marketplace, Navigant Credit Union, Pawtucket Credit Union, Washington Trust, Westerly Community Credit Union, the town of North Providence, Hyatt, Zorian Percussion, Richmond Sand and Stone, RI Ready Mix, Down East Coffee Roasters, Iggy’s Restaurants, I M Gan Liquors, The Original Italian Bakery and other generous local businesses – as well as the entertainment and restaurant family from Massachusetts led by Arthur Wahlberg and crew, who made a special appearance for autographs and photos.

“We believe in supporting Shriners Children’s Hospital because of the good they continue to do day by day. They are absolutely committed and dedicated to the well being of the children in our community,” said Brian Dupont, co-producer. He, co-producer Tom Gelfuso, Massachusetts liaison Frank T. Walsh and other volunteers worked tirelessly to create the successful event and are already considering future projects to support the cause.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of 22 nonprofit medical facilities across North America. Children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.

(Text by Meri R. Kennedy / photos by Steve Popiel)