Mike Gilbert is getting greedy in all the right ways for Local Area Musicians Charity Fundraiser at Turner Hall in Quincy.

The Jan. 28 and 29 event features about 20 local bands and is raising funds for the Hannibal-based Leaps of Love, which benefits children and families dealing with cancer.

“I’m being greedy. I am going to try to keep it full in there all day, both days,” says Gilbert, who plays in the popular local band Further Ado. “All the bands are set, and we are ready to go.”

This is the third annual fundraiser, and Gilbert says his goal is to top last year’s total of $2,000 raised.

Gilbert says the event is special since his boss has dealt with childhood cancer in the family, and Gilbert knows two of his own family members who have dealt with kids fighting cancer. Gilbert works as an engineer for Mark Twain Riverboat owner Steve Terry.

“It tugs at my heart,” he says of families dealing with childhood cancer. “I’m not a guy who does a lot, but I do play music and hopefully play it well enough for people to come see me.

“I’ve been asking my buddies to help out, and it’s worked out really well. I simply don’t have enough time for all the musicians who want to help.”

Time to Play Music is donating a Fender American Special Stratocaster — worth over $1,250 — that will be raffled off Sunday.

Raffle tickets can be purchased for $5 prior to the event at Time To Play Music, 307 N. 36th St., Suite 107. Ticket holders need not be present to win.
Food and raffle tickets will be available both days of the event.

The show is getting so big that Gilbert and friend Rollo Carder are thinking about having a one-day event this summer.

Leaps of Love was formed in September 2009 and helps families within a 100-mile radius of Hannibal. It makes sure all funds raised are used locally and strives to help families dealing with the challenges of childhood cancer.

The nonprofit organizes spring and fall family retreat weekends, food baskets and gift bags for families, holiday gift bags for children, and has an annual benefit auction.

— rhart@whig.com/221-3370

WHAT: Local Area Musicians Charity Fundraiser
WHERE: Turner Hall, 926 Hampshire
COST: $5 at the door
LINE UP:
Saturday, Jan. 28
Noon — Public Disturbance
1 p.m. — Somewhere In Between
2 p.m. — TBA
3 p.m. — Carter Slade
4 p.m. — Covets Avail
5 p.m. — Eleven
6 p.m. — Alykai
7 p.m. — All’s Forgotten
8 p.m. — No Wake
9 p.m. — Jubal’s Lantern
10 p.m. — Predawn Hour

Sunday, Jan. 29
1 p.m. — Cheeks McGee
2 p.m. — Copper Settles
3 p.m. — George Cate
4 p.m. — Captain Hi-top and the Astral
Dream Kings
5 p.m. — Ticket 2 Ride
6 p.m. — Trifecta
7 p.m. — Further Ado
8 p.m. — Overdraft
9 p.m. — The Pimpkatz