“From Punk to Funk” – a benefit concert for Matthew Leone, bassist of punk band Madina Lake – happens from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug.17, at REGGIES ROCK CLUB, 2109 S. State Street, Chicago, Ill. 60616. Tickets are available for purchase on TicketWeb. All proceeds go to the Matthew Leone Fund through the Sweet Relief Musician Fund.
In late July, Leone suffered severe brain trauma after he intervened in a public domestic dispute in Chicago. He saw a woman being beaten by her husband and called police. Seeing the woman’s need for help was immediate, Leone interjected and managed to subdue the attacking husband, who was twice his size. However, immediately after stopping the attack, the husband approached Leone from behind, beat him severely and left him unconscious in the street.
Leone was taken to the hospital for emergency brain surgery. The doctors were able to save his life but had to remove a third of his skull to alleviate swelling. A second brain surgery was performed several weeks later to reattach the portion of the skull that was removed. Doctors expect a full recovery.
Unfortunately, Leone’s medical insurance had lapsed two months prior to the incident. The music community in Chicago, across the U.S. and even abroad has united to raise funds to help cover the costs of Leone’s mounting medical bills.
The From Punk to Funk artist lineup features Dexterous Roy (Kris Myers of Umphrey’s McGee and My Boy Elroy of Liquid Soul), Liquid Soul, Kai Alexander and the Heat, DJ Jesse de la Pena, DJ Adrienne Sanchez, Fifth World and more. For a full artist lineup visit www.frompunktofunk.com.
Numerous musicians including the Smashing Pumpkins, Gene Simmons/Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne, Lady Gaga and an array of other artists and organizations have contributed to the cause by playing benefit concerts, or through other significant contributions.
“I’ve known Matthew for many years, we grew up in the same neighborhood. He is truly a hero and anything that I can do to help support his cause is a given,” said Kris Myers, drummer for Umphrey’s McGee and headlining band, Dexterous Roy.
“Matthew is someone who I consider family; and after I heard this happened I felt like I needed to do something,” said Greg Firak, guitarist of Fifth World and event organizer. “I knew the best way I could help was to organize a benefit with my friends in the Chicago music community. This event has all of Chicago’s premier funk bands and best DJs; everyone is ready to celebrate Matthew’s heroism.”
“This is a great cause and Reggies is ecstatic to be a part of this great effort,” said Robert Glick, owner of Reggies Music Joint and Rock Club.
For more information or to purchase a ticket please call Reggies Rock Club at (312) 949-0120. Tickets are available for purchase via Ticketweb ($20 in advance), or $25 day of show.
About Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems.
About Reggies Music Joint/Rock Club
REGGIES ROCK CLUB is flat out the place to be for awesome music, atmosphere, and a bang-up time. An ALL AGES and 17+ Concert Venue that was designed with music fans in mind. From the sloped floor creating picture perfect sight lines, to the chill out balcony overlooking the stage there is not a bad spot in the house. A backdrop of murals created by local graffiti artists, state of the art sound, and a giant video screen complement old Chicago Brick and Steel making REGGIES ROCK CLUB one of the most intimate and unique spaces in Chicago to see a show.
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