Big concerts that feature a lot of musical acts are kind of a popular trend here in the Motor City. From the Hamtramck Music Festival to Movement, there are plenty of music gatherings to appease everyone's taste. While the aforementioned are still a few months away, the Dick Wagner "Remember the Child" concert is right around the corner. Even though the concert's lineup is pretty hype, the best thing about this show is that all of its proceeds benefit, well, the children.
Wagner was a fellow Detroiter who could shred it on the guitar and as a songwriter — first with the Frost and then tons of other artists, including Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, and Alice Cooper. He also used his talents to help a cause he felt passionate about: music and children. Although his musical gifts have earned plenty of artists such as Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Guns 'N' Roses, Kiss, and Tina Turner platinum and gold records, he always made a point to give back to children's charities.
Thus the Dick Wagner "Remember the Child" memorial concert emerged. In its inaugural year last year, the concert successfully sold out the Fillmore. All of the profits from the concert went directly to the Children's Miracle Network and Detroit-area children's hospitals. With the money, the Dick Wagner Foundation aims to create and support music therapy programs for hospitalized children.
Known as the "Maestro of Rock," Wagner's musical and humanitarian efforts are remembered by friends, family, and fans at the memorial concert. For the second time, the "Remember the Child" memorial concert will take over the Fillmore on Saturday, Feb. 20. The show will feature performances by Brad Whitford of Aerosmith, Derek St. Holmes of Ted Nugent's band, the Frost, Scott Morgan, Jimmie Bones, Mike Farris, Johnny "Bee" Badanjek, Jean Beauvoir, Micki Frees, Peter Keys, Pat Lewis, Robert Wagner, and many more. The star-studded event will also award Russ Gibb the first "Dick Wagner Rock Royalty Award."
In addition to a night filled with great music, attendees can also bid in a silent auction to win sports and music memorabilia, including guitars signed by some of the performers.
The second annual Dick Wagner "Remember the Child" memorial event takes place on Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Fillmore Detroit; Doors at 6 p.m.; 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; Tickets range from $20-$50 and are available through Ticketmaster. VIP tickets for the event are $110 and include meet and greets with the artists, food and drinks, gift bags, and special seating. VIP tickets can be purchased through the fund's website dickwagnerrrememberthechild.org or by calling 888-458-7900.
