Published: October 23, 2009 02:34 pm      

Fraternity's fundraiser

Battle of the Bands will aid Geisinger's children's hospital

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

This Halloween will be a treat for area music lovers.

The Phi Kappa Theta fraternity at St. Francis University in Loretto will host its first ThetaFest Battle of the Bands competition.

The event will be held from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday in the JFK student center.

Johns-town- and Altoona-area bands will battle for the most votes to win the spirited competition.

For an admission fee of $5, concertgoers will receive one vote for one band.

Vanessa Hauser, western regional coordinator for the Children’s Miracle Network, said proceeds from the event go to Geisinger’s Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville, Montour County.

“Funds go toward equipment purchases such as isolettes, a type of incubator for premature babies, in the hospital’s neo-natal unit,” Hauser said.

Special guest at the local event will be 3-year-old Kayden McMullen, the son of Laura O’Donnell and Andrew McMullen of Loretto.

In 2006, when Kayden was only 5 months old, he developed a fever that lasted two days – then it turned more serious.

He was taken to a local hospital by ambulance, and doctors there sensed something much more serious than the flu; they suspected it was meningitis. Antibiotics were started immediately, and a medical helicopter was called to take the youngster to Janet Weis Children’s Hospital for specialized care.

Kayden was diagnosed with the often fatal pneumococcal meningitis.

Organizers don’t quite know what to expect with this initial fundraiser, but they hope it can become an annual event.

“We’re trying to present something pleasing for a good cause, which will allow people to have a day full of music and fun,” said Nick Peterson, incoming president of Phi Kappa Theta.

“We have eight bands lined up, and people can buy an advance ticket for $10, which will get them one vote and an event-T-shirt.”

Peterson said that organizers have arranged for local rappers to perform between band sets.

“Judging will based on the number of votes received for each group and additional votes may be purchased during the event,” Peterson said.

“The bands play a variety of music ranging from ska and metal to rock and classic rock. The winner will get a trophy and a cash prize.”

Participating bands are Fedora Shine, Gordie B and the Turtletones, Mindspine, Detoar, The Whatleys, Dangerous By Design, The Bath Towelz and Painted for War.

At 11:50 a.m., O’Donnell will address the crowd.

Information: (661) 714-8806.