A variety of musical styles will come together this weekend to create what is called "Pandamonium."
The fourth annual Pandamonium benefit concert for the Leader Dogs for the Blind organization will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday at Rubbles, 112 W. Michigan St., in downtown Mount Pleasant.
The benefit concert has been organized by Rob Farrow, Gladwin senior and founder of Unconventional Entertainment, to aid the organization which trains leader dogs for the blind. He originally named the event after his own dog, Panda.
All funds generated by the $5 admission cost of the concert will go to the organization. The event is an all ages show until after 9 p.m., when only 18 and over are admitted.
Seven varied local bands will perform to raise money for the charity. The lineup will include blues/rock by Crosstown Mojo, rap by Bloodlines A.D., punk by the Negatives, industrial/goth by Naked Lunch, and hardcore metal sounds by Live With It, Biddy's Love Monkey and God's Own Junkies.
"One of the best things about the benefit is that people can see a diverse variety of seven different bands for $5, while at the same time feeling good that they have helped a good charity," Farrow said.
Several local businesses will also sponsor the event and donate prizes to audience members via separate raffles. Prizes from sponsors include: Rubbles will give away free admission passes to future concerts, Marty's Bar, 123 S. Main, will give away free dinner passes, Mag's Coffee House, 225 S. Main, and Good Vibes, 208 S. Main, will give away gift certificates, Beanie Babies Showroom, 2105 S. Mission, will give away a large purple Princess Diana beanie bear, Intricate Decor, 2157 S. Mission, will give away a free body piercing and/or tattoo, and Blue In The Face, 217 S. Main, will give away T-shirts which grant the winners discounts when worn in the store. The raffle tickets will be sold for $1 each, and the ticketholder will choose which specific prize raffle the purchaser will partake in.
CMU's WMHW Modern Rock 91.5 FM will also be doing a live remote from the bar.
Farrow said each year the event has expanded positively and that more people show up and more funds are raised for the benefit. Farrow said that last year almost $1000 was raised and he would like to see at least $1100 raised this year for the charity. Farrow hopes this year "blows the doors off the place."
"I would like to see a line of people at the door coming to see this event," he said.
Joe Tomczyk, St. Johns junior and soundman for the event, said the event was good for several reasons.
"The event supports two great causes at one time - Leader Dogs for the Blind and the local music scene. It is just a fun day with a diverse array of music and the show (admits) all ages, so it is excellent for everyone. It is a great way of supporting charity while having fun," he said.
Farrow said the event is also a great way to "support the community, go for a good cause and get to know the downtown."
"Besides," he said, "what else is there to do on a Sunday in this town"