First Avenue rocks out to help out schoolkids

Politicians, artists and concertgoers are banding together at First Avenue tonight to buy new instruments for Lyndale Elementary in Minneapolis.

Last update: March 13, 2008 - 11:14 PM

Politicians, artists and concertgoers are banding together at First Avenue tonight to buy new instruments for a Minneapolis school.

The nonprofit Vega Productions is holding "A Night for Lyndale Elementary," featuring performances by four bands, artist Chuck Hues and guest appearances by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and state Sen. Linda Berglin, DFL-Minneapolis. Fox 9 news anchor Robyne Robinson will be the announcer.

Proceeds from ticket sales and the auction of Hues' art will go to buy new instruments for the K-5 elementary school in south Minneapolis. Lyndale kids will have to sit out the event, though. It's open to people age 18 and older.

Mark Gehring, founder of Vega Productions, said he hopes to raise between $5,000 and $10,000 to replace old instruments used at Lyndale. Vega raises money for music programs in Minneapolis public schools, he said.

The bands Pert' Near Sandstone, God Johnson, Down Lo and The Pistol Whippin' Party Penguins are performing. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. The event starts at 8 p.m.

KATHRYN NELSON