Paul Ballach, owner of St. Albert's Bourbon Room, is hosting a musical fundraiser to ease hunger. He was so thrilled at the success of the 2016 Rock the Hunger Fundraiser, he plans a repeat on Friday, Dec. 15. "Last year we raised about $3,500. We did really well for a first time and I decided to do it again," said Ballach adding that all proceeds will be directed to St. Albert Food Bank. Performances start early at 6:30 p.m. with nine different acts entertaining into the early morning hours. Rock band Thistle and glam rock band Crazy Dave's Renegades plan a party to end all parties while classic rock bands Slow Walkin Walter and Hell City Express take a stroll down memory lane. Singer-songwriters Danita Lynn and Dahlia Wakefield, two very pure country songbirds, slow down the tempo with their sweet, mellow vocals. And Cadillac Junkies play it up with a smart blend of country, rock and indie pop. Steven Spencer has a knack for charming with his country folk songs, and lastly, Sweet Vintage Rides rides high with a unique East Coast rockabilly-Celtic sound. "We have a great variety and that way we have a little bit for everybody." For Ballach, assisting the food bank is a personal decision. He was raised by a single mother and at 16 was working at a gas station to pay the family's bills. "I've had a lot of lonely Christmases. Now that I'm doing better, I'd like to help out. Especially now that the economy has soured, we'd like to help make Christmas fun for people who need it most." Tickets are $20 at 587-290-0071 or at the bar located at 205 Carnegie Dr. Three food bank boxes are also available for donated dry or canned food, diapers, and clothing.
