Pikes Peak To Rock Again

Dashboard Confessional frontman Chris Carrabba is making the trek up Colorado’s 14,000-foot Pikes Peak mountain later this month to perform as part of the second annual charity pilgrimage and concert in the sky known as “Pikes Peak Rocks.”

Pikes Peak is part of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and located about 10 miles west of Colorado Springs, Colo.

On July 31 Cararabba will be joined by a group of more than a hundred cancer survivors and supporters who are climbing the mountain to raise money for global cancer care.
Miles Zuniga of Grammy-nominated band Fastball will perform for hikers making their way up the mountain, in addition to playing the evening before at a special reception for hikers.

Photo: Debbie VanStory / RockinExposures

Honda Center, Anaheim, Calif.

After hikers tackle Pikes Peak, another reception will be held at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The top “Pikes Peak Rock” fundraisers will get the chance to meet folk singer Brett Dennen and enjoy special seats at that night’s show featuring Dennen and Michael Franti & Spearhead.

“Pikes Peak Rock” is being put together by the Love Hope Strength Foundation, an organization that was co-founded by cancer survivors Mike Peters, frontman for The Alarm, and James Chippendale, CEO of CSI Entertainment Insurance, to use the power of music to fight cancer.

Photo: James Hendershot

Rams Head Live!, Baltimore, Md.

The LHSF’s website explains that its mission “is to save lives, right now, with the advances that have already been made in cancer care.” Rather than funding cancer research, the group uses its funds “purchase medical equipment and supplies, raise awareness through special events, documentaries and media, build cancer centers and find bone marrow donors.”

LHSF will be conducting a bone marrow registration drive at Red Rocks Amphitheatre during the beginning of the July 31 show. The organization will also unveil its 2010 prayer flags during the Michael Franti & Spearhead set.

“Pikes Peak Rocks” 2009 marked the first time an organization has held a benefit concert atop Pikes Peak. The inaugural event featured performances by The Bacon Brothers, The White Buffalo and Cy Curnin of The Fixx.

The foundation has previously put on LHS “Rocks” concerts in locations including Mt. Kilimanjaro in East Africa, Mt. Everest in Nepal, Machu Picchu in Peru, Mt. Snowdon in Wales and the roof of the Empire State Building in New York City.

To get involved with LHSF or make a donation, click here for the foundation’s website.