Penn bands 'rock' for homelessness

More than 2,000 students will begin their Spring Fling partying tonight -- but it's all for a good cause. The seventh annual Penn Rocks Against Homelessness benefit concert will be held outdoors this evening at the Sylvia Arms Courtyard at 41st and Walnut streets. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the party will continue until 2 a.m. Two of the seven bands featured in tonight's lineup are comprised of University students -- Spruce Street Revival and the Disco Biscuits. The other groups playing include Jazz Hole, Dr. Ketchup, Renaissance Bitch, Tiajuana Caravan and Mariner Nine. Penn Rocks Executive Director Pete Weidman said last year's concert raised over $16,000. "We've been growing a lot," he explained, adding that Rolling Rock is sponsoring this year's concert. Other corporate sponsors include Campus Apartments and modern-rock radio station 103.9 WDRE-FM, he added. And Weidman said the organization filed for tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service this year, allowing Penn Rocks to become a fully incorporated non-profit organization. Therefore, all contributions made to the group are now tax-deductible. Contributions usually make up approximately 20 percent of the group's revenue, Weidman explained -- revenue that is entirely contributed to local charities. This year's chosen charities are Empty the Shelters and the People's Emergency Shelter. College junior Jill Weisberg, Penn Rocks assistant talent coordinator, said the show always sells out. "We get a diverse group of bands who are all really talented," she said. "It's a fun night on the social side, but it's also for a good cause." The first Penn Rocks concert was organized in 1990 by 1992 College graduate Cathy Levene and 1991 College graduate Elysa Marco. In the past seven years, it has raised over $75,000 for various charities, according to Weidman. For the first time ever, the group sponsored a party this winter at the Melange restaurant in Center City to raise money for homelessness. "It was a very successful fundraiser," Weisberg explained. "We decided to this year to enlarge for more than just the concert only."

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