‘Monsters of Rock’ concert to benefit veterans comes to Bristol this weekend

By Laura Bailey

Local rock and roll legends are coming together at Bleachers this weekend for a two-night charity concert to benefit veterans.

The musical fundraiser “Monsters of Rock“ is being organized by Mike Cansdale of Big Mac Productions in honor of his late brother Eldon John Cansdale, an Army veteran and Russian Linguist who was stationed in Germany.

“The concert idea came from helping my brother, who was a disabled veteran,” Mike Cansdale said, “and I’ve seen firsthand how hard it is on veterans to get the help they need. I organized my first benefit as he kept saying he wished there was more help for veterans. He passed away a few weeks before my first show.”

The proceeds from the benefit concert will aid active military suicide prevention, with donations going to Stop Soldier Suicide, Mission 22 and TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors).

“My shows benefit veterans organizations that need help,” Cansdale said. “We did one show for all the veterans at the hospital in Rocky Hill and they spent the money on blankets and socks. Even little things are very important to them and their needs. This weekend of shows will benefit current veterans and suicide prevention. We make sure all the money goes right to the organization and it doesn’t touch our hands.”

Friday, April 12, is the first night of “Monsters of Rock” beginning at 7 p.m. with local favorites King Kuel, followed by The Five Kings. At 10 p.m., rock supergroup Maxx Explosion will take the stage, featuring performances from legendary musicians BJ Zampa (Dokken, Beyond Purple) and Jimi Bell (Beyond Purple, Autograph, House of Lords). The evening will end with a performance from headliners Samurai Cab Company, a Connecticut-based rock group fronted by guitarist and singer from Dokken Chris McCarvill.

The second night of “Monsters of Rock” will kick off at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 with an acoustic set by Henry “Chip” Couture. Subway to Venus take the stage around 9 p.m. playing the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers as well as original funk rock songs. Drummer, guitarist and songwriter Julian Sherwood will perform his indie rock originals at 10 p.m. with his band Julian Sherwood’s Palace. Headlining the night are the ever popular Jeff Summa and the Roasters, playing original hits off of their album “Long Road Ahead” as well as the music of Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd and the Allman Brothers.

The upcoming “Monsters of Rock” concert is the latest of many charity concerts organized by Cansdale. In addition to the Rock for Vets fundraisers, the Bristol resident has also organized several musical benefits for local nonprofit Brian’s Angels.

“Monsters of Rock” will be held at Bleachers, located at 300 Middle St. in Bristol, on Friday and Saturday, April 12 and April 13, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Single night tickets are $12, and will be available for purchase online and at the door.

Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org