Gene Butcher, Ken Butcher and Drew Gentry are the founders of soccer solidarity group Northern Guard Supporters (of the Detroit City Football Club), started a grassroots non-profit organization called Hooligans for Heroes a year ago to spread awareness for and raise support for The Wounded Warrior Project. Hooligans for Heroes show their support for the troops "on and off the field," and thanks to the Butcher brothers, Gentry and local singer/songwriter Eric Abbey, they're cause has been buoyed by the local music scene, by means of a successful Benefit Concert six months ago at Small's Bar in Hamtramck.
That initial Benefit featured The Desolation Angels, The Ryan Dillaha Band, The Mike Hopper Trio and 1592. The event was such a success that Abbey knew he had to do it again - Expressing his great thanks to everyone involved, from the performing bands, to the hosting venue, to the charitable attendees, Abbey also couldn't help thinking about all the other bands that had almost made that first bill but couldn't for varying reasons. After finding another willing partner in Ferndale's Loving Touch, Abbey reached back out to those other bands, namely: The Bad Assets and The Hand Me Downs. 1592- which features Abbey on keys/lead-vocals, will perform with these two bands on March 14th - a prelude to St. Patrick's Day festivities and thus tying in Shamrocks (...and Shenanigans).
"These events are different because of the culture surrounding them," Abbey said. "I did not start that culture here but became a part of it very quickly when I discovered it. It is the culture of the soccer supporter. Not just fan but supporter. The Northern Guard, Motor City Supporters, Le rouge Supporters etc. I have always loved this culture as a player and a follower of the game but seeing it here in Detroit blew me away. When the charity formed I was instantly drawn to the idea of playing and helping out in anyway i could. The best and easiest way for me to do this was to perform and produce shows, so I started to do that."
Listen (and learn further) about the bands involved: http://hooliganreggae.bandcamp.com
Each band performing this Shamrocks and Shenanigans show features NG Supporters, thus, said Abbey, setting the event apart from any that he's ever been a part of. The charity, said Abbey, is completely behind the event. "I am excited because I enjoy all of these bands, from the first show to this one and they have all been a huge part in the success of the events."
1592, an eclectic outfit leaning towards seminal dub/reggae spiced by edgier, late-90's ska and groove-centric funk-rock, are pressing a 7" single for the Detroit City Football Club (to be released soon on Motor City Special), with all proceeds going to Hooligans For Heroes. More info: http://hforh.bigcartel.com
March 14thThe Loving Touch, Ferndale, MI
Shamrocks & Shenanigans ~ Benefit ~ Hooligans For Heroes + Wounded Warrior Project
1592
Hand Me Downs
Bad Assets
$5
