Hey Rosetta! to headline Red Cross Rocks concert

Newfoundland indie rock band Hey Rosetta! will headline March 22 at the Cunard Centre in Halifax, N.S., in a special concert to raise funds for the Canadian Red Cross.

 Opening acts for the concert will be two Halifax bands — seven-piece indie-folk band Soho Ghetto and rock and rollers, The Persuaders.

“Just over two years ago, Hey Rosetta! was among the first to commit to a concert in St. John’s that raised more than $400,000 for Red Cross disaster relief allowing us to help hundreds of families and individuals whose homes and belongings were destroyed or damaged when hurricane Igor ripped though eastern Newfoundland,” said Cathie Desborough, Atlantic director of fund development with the Canadian Red Cross.

“That and other causes supported since by Hey Rosetta! shows a true humanitarian spirit among these artists,"  Desborough said. "We’re excited to have all three groups at this event, which will entertain, raise much-needed funds, and create awareness among a younger audience for humanitarian work that youth expect from the Red Cross around the world but may not be aware that we also do here at home.”

 It's hoped that the Red Cross Rocks concert will raise more than $40,000 for programs, including disaster relief.

The Red Cross also relies on donations and fund-raising events like the March 22 concert for its programs that deal with bullying and other forms of violence and abuse, or engage youth and adults on international humanitarian issues.

 "We're glad to be a part of the Canadian Red Cross’ upcoming fundraising and awareness event,” said Hey Rosetta! lead singer and song writer Tim Baker.

“We are only becoming aware of the scope and importance of what they do now ourselves," Baker said. "From their international work helping those most affected by disaster and conflict, to their many education programs here at home, they deserve everyone's kudos, everyone's attendance at the party and everyone's glass in the air."

Tickets are now available online at ticketatlantic.com, by calling 902-451-1221, or in person at Ticket Atlantic’s box office or participating Real Atlantic Superstores.  Service charges may apply.

Event updates can be followed on Twitter using hash tag #redcrossrocks or @heyrosetta, @PersuadersHFX and @SoHoGhetto. Information on participating bands is online at heyrosetta.com, sohoghetto.com and facebook.com/groups/Persuaders.