Benefit rock concert to be held

Didn't get enough rock n'roll at Spring Fling? Well, there is much more in store today. The third annual Penn Rocks for the Homeless concert begins tonight at 8 p.m. and is being held in conjunction with the block party at 41st and Walnut streets. The concert, which will last until 2 a.m., features the bands Stinkfoot, D'Tripp, Smokestack Lightning, Scorched Earth Affair, Circle K and Victor the Cleaner. Penn Rocks for the Homeless, is a non-profit organization which has organized benefit concerts and sold T-shirts for the past three years, donating the profits to West Philadelphia charities. The proceeds of this year's concert will be donated to the University City Hospitality Coalition and Empty the Shelters. College senior Cathy Levene and recent College graduate Elysa Marco are the founders of the organization and the principal organizers of the concerts. Marco said the concert will benefit the homeless in two ways. "We have two purposes," she said. "One is to provide immediate benefits for the West Philadelphia homeless in the form of food and shelter, and the other purpose is to help create a long-term solution through career counseling and emotional support." Last year's performance, also held in conjunction with the 41st and Walnut block party, drew 1500 people and raised $6,000. Marco and Levene have been organizing the event since January, with help from Campus Apartments. The real estate company has donated labor for the construction of the stage and is paying for the electricity. Tickets can be purchased for $6 on Locust Walk or at the door, and T-shirts will be on sale for $12. "If the weather holds out, it will again be the best party Penn has all year," Marco said.

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