Three NC Bands & Local Sponsors Come Together for Two Nonprofits

WILMINGTON, NC-December 12, 2022-This past spring, when members of a hometown band amicably decided to go their separate ways, many wondered how that would impact one of their most beloved charitable events. For the last two decades, the band, L-Shape Lot was a Port City favorite. The group also established an extremely popular annual benefit for Toys for Tots at the Brooklyn Arts Center.

In true “the show must go on” fashion, Jason Andre`, the front man for another favorite local band, The MidAtlantic, stepped up. In November, Andre` contacted the BAC’s new owner, Jay Tatum and fortunately there was a December date open. Andre invited two other bands, Wilmington-based Mike Blair and the Stonewalls and The Tan and Sober Gentlemen who collectively hail from central NC. All three bands are known for high-energy performances that criss cross several musical genres including folk, rock, fiddle-fusion and Gaelic.

Eight generous local sponsors are also credited for making this event possible: Edward Teach Brewery, Port City Brew Bus, Rich Mason Marine, Salty Turtle Beer Co, Waterman’s Brewing, Risley Padual Construction, Inc, Hourglass Studios and Bill’s Brewing Co.

While the annual Toys for Tots drive is well established, the decision to also include Wilmington-based, Plastic Ocean Project was something that Andre` felt strongly about. He explained, “Founder and director, Bonnie Monteleone, has dedicated her life to this mission of solving the problems of plastic pollution and my goal is to get the word out to a much bigger audience. Any amount of awareness and support that we can give is much deserved and will be well spent.”