Saturday, April 29

Knowing that profits from a great show are going to a worthwhile cause can make the experience even more enjoyable, so Saturday night’s benefit concert at El Torreon should prove to be satisfying on several different levels. Jim Strahm, co-owner of Midwestern Music, is the beneficiary of the toils of an impressive rock and roll lineup. Strahm has worn several hats in the scene, booking shows at Fred P. Ott’s and playing in The Saddlemen. Seemingly endless numbers of musicians can recall an occasion when Strahm lent them equipment or helped them out behind the scenes. Now these grateful artists are eager to assist the man who helped them so many times, as he battles cancer and the soaring medical bills that accompany his struggle. The Chickenhawks, a boisterous, Sioux City, Iowa-based quartet fronted by a charismatic singer named Betsy Badly, should be able to hunt down plenty of new fans with Cramps-like selections, such as “Bad Bitch Boogie.” In Parlay, The Hefners, and Johnny Black and the Assassins are three of the area’s most raucous rock bands. Those who make it out to this psychobilly freakout will leave with a new understanding of how fulfilling, and fun, charity can be.