Concert by classic rockers will benefit Piper's Opera House, Red Cross

By Jarid Shipley

Appeal Staff Writer

Billing themselves as an all-star rock band, the members of the World Classic Rockers represent some of the most well-known bands in American rock and they are coming to Carson City.

The band, composed of members from Toto, Lynard Skynard, Journey, Santana and Steppenwolf will hold an autograph session at NV50 Ultralounge tonight, in advance of their concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Reno Hilton Theater.

The band will sign autographs for several hours at NV50 Ultralounge, 10051 Highway 50 E., beginning at 10 p.m.

NV50 will also be giving away two tickets to the concert to the winner of the karaoke contest.

The concert is being organized Ron Waicul, a financial consultant for Wells Fargo who has organized a charity event to benefit local organizations for the last 10 years, including helping defray the costs of families battling disasters or diseases like cancer.

"I guess I just see a need. I see families with children that are struggling and I don't want the children to be lacking, because children are innocent," Waicul said.

The proceeds from this year's concert will benefit the Piper's Opera House In Virginia City and the America Red Cross to help fund relief efforts from the recent hurricanes.

"We are very excited about being a part of the fundraiser because this is a new era of restoration for the opera house," said Jay Davis, volunteer concert coordinator.

For Waicul, the concert is a way to raise money for good causes while listening to good music.

"Here you have the guys who wrote 'Born to be Wild' actually doing it live," said Waicul. "Holy cow, these guys are great at getting the audience into it."

On the tentative set list for the concert are classics like "Freebird," "Black Magic Woman," and "Africa."

Tickets for the concert are $40 for general admission, $30 with military or student IDs, and can be purchased through the Reno Hilton Box Office. There are also a limited number of VIP tickets available which include a meet-and-greet event following the show.

VIP tickets are $62.50 and available by calling the Piper's Opera House at (775) 847-0433.

The hotel is also offering a package, including a room and two tickets to the show for $110.

Five dollars from every ticket sold goes to the American Red Cross and will be matched by the American Federation of Musicians.

n Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.