Rockin' for a cause at Crossties

TEXARKANA, Ark. - Five bands rocking to classic tunes this Saturday at Crossties should be a fun time, but the underlying purpose is a serious one for this second Rock Out Cancer Concert.

Organized by the nonprofit foundation Friends for a Cause, the 3 p.m. to midnight live music fundraiser features several local acts who will help raise funds to reflect the group's mission and support people who've fought cancer.

With a ribeye dinner served at 6 p.m. by Silver Star Smokehouse, entertainment will be provided by Split Decision, Parson B and the Part Time Sinners, TJ McAlexander, Dusty Rose Band and Panic Rev.

Brittney Frost, vice president and one of the founders and board members at Friends for a Cause, said Rock Out Cancer will be held indoors at the venue and people must have a ticket to attend.

"It's a fun, unique event geared for raising money, raising awareness and celebrating life," Frost said.

As to the music, it's a diverse lineup of local acts, each playing sets of about an hour to an-hour-and-a-half. Dusty Rose Band, who will close out the packed lineup of musical acts, is donating the sound equipment for the show.

There's also a 50-50 raffle and a live auction to help raise money for people fighting cancer themselves.

"We are a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We were created by a group of friends for friends. We were founded in July of 2014. Our main mission is to raise money, create awareness and partner with other organizations in the community," Frost said.

"Our primary mission in the past has been helping cancer patients cover any cost or meet whatever need that their insurance may not cover," she said.

Friends for a Cause recently partnered with the Texarkana Dillard's, for example, on their event Bras for a Cause.

They've also branched out to work with other organizations on other critical issues. To that end, they have a committee board which reflects diverse aspects of the community.

For this event, the bulk of the funds will reflect their main mission, however.

(Tickets: $50 for the general public, $40 for Friends for a Cause members. Crossties is located at 324 E. Broad St. To reserve a ticket, email [email protected] or visit the Friends for a Cause page on Facebook.)