'Rock the Cause' to rock market

8/4/2005
Velvet Jones
Velvet Jones

The Aspiring Minds of Toledo will host the third annual Rock the Cause 2005 benefit concert from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Aug. 13 at the Erie Street Market's Civic Center Promenade. The event will feature live entertainment by Velvet Jones and the Josh Boyd Band. Tickets are $5, with all proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Toledo, SCORE Toledo, Ahava Ministries, Leadership Toledo, and the Arts Commission.

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The American Cancer Society announces the first-ever Cattle Baron's Ball Aug. 13 at the Lucas County Recreation Center, 2901 Key St., Maumee. It's billed as an upscale country western event with entertainment by Toledoan Michele Poe and Detroit's major country music band, Arizona Sun. Texas-style delicacies, casino gaming, and live and silent auctions are also scheduled as midway attractions. Tickets are $100, from 419-891-9200.

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The final Rally by the River is scheduled from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 19 in Promenade Park along the downtown riverfront. Gunner Ross, former drummer for Ted Nugent, and the T.N.T. Band will be playing Nugent's hits and its own rock and roll. Local band MAS Fina will kick off the night with rock covers from the '70s to today. Admission is $5.

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Colin Hay of "Men At Work" will be performing the hits "Down Under," "Beautiful World," "Overkill," and "Who Can It Be Now," Aug. 25 at Gumbo's Restaurant at International Park. Doors open at 8 p.m. for the 9 p.m. show. Advance tickets are $18, from 419-697-8700 and Ticketmaster, 419-474-1333, or $22 at the door.

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The Nairobi Events Pavilion at the Toledo Zoo will host the second Rock N'Roar-Zoo Fever Dance party for those 21 and older from 7 to midnight Aug. 12. Promoted as summer's hippest after-hours bash, the party will feature Disco Invasion playing disco tunes. New this year, a Sounds of Music DJ will also be playing disco tunes under the stars in the Africa exhibit, while guests enjoy cool refreshments and grilled foods. Tickets are $15 for zoo members and $20 for nonmembers in advance from 419-385-5721, ext. 2091, or at www.toledozoo.org.

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Sha Na Na will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Ritz Theatre, 30 South Washington St., Tiffin. The group has one of the most extensive resumes in rock and roll, having appeared at Woodstock, performed regularly at Filmore East, had their own TV variety show, and were featured in the movie Grease. Tickets range from $10 to $40 from the theater, 419-448-8544, or online at www.ritztheatre.org.

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Elvis Lives featuring Robert Rosenkrantz as Elvis will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Ohio Theatre, 3114 Lagrange St. Reserved orchestra seating is $17.50, with stadium seating at $12.50, from 419-241-6785.

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The search begins for America's next music idol - with a heavenly twist. Detroit will be one of seven cities to host gospel tryouts for a national recording contract in Gospel Music Channel's Gospel Dream, Sept. 23 and 24. Regional events will lead to national competition in Atlanta, with semi-finals airing Nov. 30 and the finale on Dec. 1. Other cities hosting competitions will be Atlanta (Aug. 12-13), Dallas (Aug. 19-20), New Orleans (Aug. 26-27), St. Louis (Sept. 9-10), Chicago (Sept. 16-17), and Memphis (Sept. 30-Oct. 1). Twenty-one recording star hopefuls will be chosen from regional auditions. Contest details and registration are available at www.GospelMusicChannel.com.

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Singers, dancers, and actors are invited to audition for 42nd Street from 7 to 10 p.m. Aug. 15 at the River Raisin Centre for the Arts, 114 South Monroe St., Monroe, Mich. Auditioners should bring a prepared song. Production dates will be Oct. 27-29. The show is being produced by the all new River Raisin Music Theatre company. Information: 734-242-7722.

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The Village Players will hold auditions for Murder in Green Meadows from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 14 and 15 at the theater, 2730 Upton Ave. Directed by John Henry, the play runs Nov. 4-19. Information: 419-472-6817.