The aim of The Pablove Foundation is as respectable as it is attainable: to improve the lives of children with cancer. Milwaukee native and Dangerbird Records founder Jeff Castelaz established the foundation after losing his six-year-old son Pablo to a rare childhood cancer in 2009. In addition to the marathons, meals, dances, bicycle rides and the myriad of other events Pablove does throughout the country each year, the foundation utilizes Castelaz’s ties in the music industry to put on benefit shows.
Around this time last year, Music Notes prepared readers for the second annual Pablove Benefit Concert in Milwaukee by reviewing the DVD of the inaugural Pablove performance. Since bringing the event to town, the charitable concert has steadily grown in popularity, while enlisting the assistance of noted national acts and popular local acts alike to aid Pablove’s cause. This year’s event is no different, as 11 bands will come to Turner Hall Saturday to entertain, enlighten and raise money and awareness to combat childhood cancer.
Veteran guitarist Butch Walker (SouthGang, Marvelous 3), who will play a rare solo performance, headlines the show after a performance by Meiko, an up-and-coming L.A.-based singer/songwriter. Emmy-winning Chicago project Blackbox will whip through a 10-minute set, and Crime Family will also make the trip. Like previous years, the showcase is anchored by a heap of locally bred talent.
Preceding Walker and Meiko, Milwaukee’s own Herman Astro, fresh off the release of the raucous Chico, will follow a set by the newly reunited El Oso. Music Notes favorite and area benefit fixture The Fatty Acids will treat onlookers to its distinctly fun and frenzied power pop stylings. The Ragadors will undoubtedly assist in the crumbling of Turner Hall’s roof. Milwaukee/New York emcees AUTOMatic will lend a little variety to this otherwise-rock-heavy show. Female-fronted pop rock band Testa Rosa and the criminally underrated likes of Canopies will round out the show. Between sets, DJ Mad Hatter will spin. Also, Castelez is scheduled to make some remarks about the charity at 9:30 p.m.
Altogether, this is a jam-packed and solid grouping of bands, especially in a relatively dry period in Milwaukee events. The show is well worth the $20 cover charge ($50 VIP Seating, $10 for 12 and under) – even more so when accounting for the direct and positive impact it will have on the charity, which will, in turn, help ease the unenviable burden on children suffering from cancer, as well as their loved ones.
The third annual Pablove Benefit Concert takes place Saturday at Turner Hall (1032 N. Fourth St.). Doors open at 5 p.m., with music lasting after midnight. Buy tickets HERE. To learn more about The Pablove Foundation or to donate money, visit Pablove.org.
