Fallon kids get a helping hand

Blink, and you might miss him. When Tony Turner of Rockstarz Productions is putting together yet another benefit show, he’s a man in constant motion. If he does take a moment to rest, it’s to organize his thoughts, usually out loud: “OK, I gotta go here … then there … I gotta call them …”

But this time, Turner’s taken on the task of throwing a benefit that is like no other he’s done. Forget your standard one-night party. Show Fest 2001 Benefit is a two-day event, Aug. 25-26, that features not only a seemingly nonstop line-up of local and out-of-town bands, but it also throws comedians and a fashion show into the mix. One might be tempted to use the word “extravaganza.”

The fun starts at 6 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday at the Little Waldorf Saloon, 1661 N. Virginia St. With the number of bands performing, who knows when it’ll end. Saturday’s line-up features Redcel, Two-20-Two, 13th Insight, Existence, Recluse (Yuba City), Twice, 7th Source, Sleeve, Mnemonic and December. Sunday’s line-up includes Inflexus, Darque Carnival, Redcel, Scurvy Bastards, Local 420, Wordplay, Genghis & The Cons, Livitz Livitz, Keen, DJ Saurus, E.J. the DJ and Verbal Kent (an acoustic set by Keyser Soze, pictured).

Nick Danger of KDOT 104.5 will emcee both days and host a live remote 8-10 p.m. Sunday. Sunday will also feature comedians Dave Lorayne and Adam Stone and a fashion show by the gals at Venus Envy. Both days will be videotaped, and Turner plans to show the event on TV in a month or so as a pre-recorded telethon.

In addition to the bands, comedians and fashion, there will be a raffle for prizes like dinners for two and free stays in a local casino’s suite. (Sponsors of the event include the Atlantis Casino-Resort and T-Shirts Unlimited.) A silent auction will also be held, and those who want to make a last-minute donation of art or other items for the auction are encouraged to call Tisha Serial at 337-1536.

Did I mention it’s a benefit show? Proceeds from the event go to Fallon Families First, a group of community leaders who formed to offer support to the families affected by the town’s child leukemia cluster. The group’s mission is to ensure that patient and family services are available to these families, to educate the community about acute lymphocytic leukemia and to encourage the community to support these families as well.

Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 in advance per day. Advance tickets can be purchased at Bizarre Guitar, Recycled Records and Black Hole Body Piercing. And if you don’t make it out to the benefit, you can still donate money to the Fallon Mayor’s Youth Fund by calling the city clerk, 423-5104, or the mayor, 423-0167.

But if you do make it out to at least one day of the benefit, watch for the man racing around trying to make everything just right. That’ll be Turner, and if you can catch him, say thanks on behalf of the kids of Fallon.