Between gigs in Massachusetts and Missouri, the Peter Mayer Group will perform a benefit concert June 24 for Riley Hospital for Children at Spike's Beach Grill in Warsaw.
Mayer is a long-standing lead guitarist with Jimmy Buffet's Coral Reefer Band.
Spike's Beach Grill and Noa Noa are presenting the benefit concert, with sponsors including Riley Children's Foundation, Ramada, Dane and Mary Louise Miller and Families & Friends of Riley's Hospital for Children.
Gates for the June 24 show open at 5 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m., rain or shine.
Restaurant and bar owner Scott Woods' family has supported Riley for many years.
"Our families have been connected, obviously, through our children. We have had, including my sister's family, four kids down there, all with varying degrees of illnesses," Woods said in an interview.
His oldest son, Hudson, died after battling a rare heart condition. His son Jett also had heart surgery. Last year, Woods' son Harper had general surgery. The first time the Woods family was at Riley was when his sister's newborn was there for an intestinal issue. Dr. John Brown handled both Hudson's and Jett's heart surgeries about 10 years apart, Woods said.
"There wasn't anyone who could have been better," said Woods.
"My first son, Hudson, had a heart condition. That's really what spurred on these benefits. We had nine benefits over the past 10 years. We try to do one a year," he said. "We're also planning a Riley dinner for Christmas."
Woods said, "Once you're in that facility and Riley care, you feel that need to help out whenever you can. We also support the Ronald McDonald House and do a toy drive. There's a lot of need in Indiana and the surrounding states and every bit helps."
As far as the Peter Mayer Group concert goes, Woods said they've been looking for a bigger musical act for the Riley benefits. One day he noticed there was a break on Jimmy Buffet's concert schedule, so Woods sent an e-mail to see if Peter Mayer would be available for June 24.
"It took a lot of people from the community and underwriting to put it together," said Woods.
Four months ago, Woods said, they received the OK.
"Peter is known for his charitable work so the children's hospital fits right in with what he does," said Woods. "I look forward to meeting him. ... It's been a blessing. It's been exciting to say the least."
Dan Fink, CEO of Riley, will be a guest speaker during the event. A second guest speaker is anticipated. Riley Children's Foundation staff also will be on hand.
"We can't say enough (about Riley)," Woods said. "It's just a wonderful hospital if you have to ever be in that situation."
Tickets for the concert are now on sale. General admission is $24, with a Riley concert package costing $62.50. The concert package includes VIP seating, cocktail hour and appetizer buffet. Woods said sponsorship tables are almost sold out, but he hopes that at least 300 people turn out for the event.
"It will be by far the best musical act we'll have," Woods said.For will call tickets, call 574-551-2580. For more information, call 574-372-3224.
The Peter Mayer Group also includes percussionist R. Scott Bryan; bassist Marc Torlina; violin/mandolin player Maggie Estes; pianist Chris Walters. They will play Mayer's originals plus songs from his new CD released in November titled "Goodbye Hello", featuring his arrangements of Beatles music.
"I just think it's going to be a wonderful event. This is a once-in-a-lifetime shot to get him into Warsaw," Woods said.
