LACEY – If it’s one thing that gets people really mad, it’s animal abuse. That’s why a group of metal, punk and hard core musicians teamed up for a concert to raise money for charities that help abused, homeless, and neglected animals.
Stomp Out Animal Abuse Round 2 was held at William Hebrew Park in Lanoka Harbor recently.
The event raised $2,320, said Jason Baluski. He was one of the organizers, along with his wife, Toni Baluski, with help from Michael Ramirez of Poorman Productions.
It was an all-ages, free show with a $5 suggested donation that went to the charities. Each of the following charities received $465: The Popcorn Park Zoo, Puppy Kitty City, Woofpack007, T.A.R. Bridges To Safety and Helping 4 Paws At A Time. They also accepted donations of pet food and animal items.
The line-up included Broken Heroes, Dead Blow Hammer, The Despised NJ, The UnSubs featuring Mike Blanx, Diamond Dogz, War Lovers, and Banged Up.
Because of social distancing due to the coronavirus, inside venues are unable to host concerts. However, studies show that COVID-19 has a harder time spreading outdoors. Holding a concert at a park makes it safer.
There were a few vendors set up: Duda’s Distro, Nameless Prints, Misterface Records and Frontline Streetwear. Food was provided by Green Village Packing Co. and Dags Dippers and we had a few vendors.
This was the second round of fundraising concerts. Stomp Out Animal Abuse Round 1 was held in June and raised more than a thousand dollars for animal charities. Their first show featured Side Pocket Louie, OC Rippers, Coffin Void, Useless, Tiki Torture, Trial by Terror, and Reinado.
Round 3 is scheduled for October 24.
