This weekend marks the return of the annual Joey’s Song benefit concert, which takes place at The Sylvee in Madison on Saturday, Jan. 6.
Performing a the show, which raises funds for epilepsy research, are Grammy Award winners and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and others who have been part of bands like The Bangles, Belly, Cheap Trick, Garbage, Portugal. The Man, Soul Asylum, and others.
Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens will also make a special appearance at the event.
But even if you can’t make it to the gig, you can support the war against the brain disease that causes seizures and also nab some incredible gear by bidding in the online auction.
“Wisconsin always comes out strong in support of Joey’s Song,” says Mike Gomoll, who founded Joey’s Song after the death of his 5-year-old son from Dravet Syndrome, a form of epilepsy.
“The auction is a big way for us to help fund research and the fight against epilepsy. Plus, you can own a really cool item that shows the support the musical community has also shown us.”
There are 60 one-of-a-kind items, like signed guitars, autographed photos, books and other swag and more.
Here are six of the coolest items – with descriptions from the good folks at Joey’s Song – though remember there are 54 more that could be yours, too!
Eddie Vedder signed guitar
Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Eddie Vedder signed this sunburst Squier Stratocaster. His band Pearl Jam have sold over 85 million records. Their debut album “Ten” stayed in the Billboard 200 charts for almost five years and it was certified an astonishing 13 times platinum.
Paul Simon signed "Graceland" LP
Paul Simon is a two-time Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee and a 16-time Grammy winner, including the 1987 Grammy for Record Of The Year for this album, “Graceland.” A signed LP will look great in any den or music room.
Cheap Trick signed guitar
Cheap Trick are Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Famers and the hardest working band in the business. We could make a "We Want You To Want This Guitar" pun, but that’s too easy. Let's just say your den, bar of office will be the talk off the neighborhood when this classic SG is hanging there.
R.E.M. signed Mojo magazine
"Now Andy did you hear about this one?” We have a copy of Mojo Magazine signed by Mike, Peter and Michael of REM, Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Famers and one of the most beloved bands of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Getting a piece like this, signed by all three, is a challenge these days as they are all out on their own and seem to indicate they are "never, ever getting back together" (ooops forgive the Taylor Swift joke).
Nolan Ryan signed jersey
Let's let Nolan Ryan's accomplishments do the talking :
- Baseball Hall of Fame induction1999
- Eight-time time All Star
- 11-time Stikeout leader
- World Series Champion (1969)
- 5,714 strikouts
- Seven No hitters
Not sure what else to say. Nolan signed this groovy, retro Astros jersey.
Noel Gallagher signed guitar
If you were into the Britpop scene in the mid ‘90s you were either an Oasis fan or a Blur fan. Well, here at Joey's Song, it wasn't even close. The songs that sprung from the mind of Noel Gallagher are modern day classics. If you miss out on this one-of-a-kind signed guitar you will "Look Back In Anger."
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
