Victor Wainwright

CADIZ — The free public concert that works to raise funds for local organizations has again expanded to a two-night set — the 12th annual Sean Carney’s Blues for a Cure is slated for this weekend, today, Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24.

The event at Sally Buffalo Park, is presented this year by MPLX Gathering and Processing and other sponsors. All proceeds benefit WVU Medicine Harrison Community Hospital Foundation and the Harrison County Cancer Crusaders.

As always, the event is driven by donations by those who attend and by others who wish to support this great cause. All funds raised will benefit individuals or families in the county who have been affected by cancer.

The charity concert has raised nearly $250,000 for the local area since its inception.

Blues For A Cure has raised over $400,000 since Sean Carney started the fund in 2007. This is the third year the event is a two-night concert and will be hosted on the newly constructed outdoor stage.

Headlining this year’s event is southern blues super group Southern Hospitality with BMA nominated lineup of Victor Wainwright, JP Soars, Damon Fowler, Terrance Grayson and Chris Peet. Of course, sitting in and sharing emcee duties will be event namesake, 2007 IBC Guitar Champion Sean Carney.

Always paying tribute to local talent, the event will feature arguably the best guitarist in the Ohio Valley, Roger Hoard, with the Hoard & Jones Band.

This Blues For A Cure concert will serve as the CD Release of Blues Cures 14, the 14th CD in the series of Live Studio Jams with the artists who’ve been a part of our concerts in the past decade. Among the artists featured on this release are three International Blues Challenge (IBC) Guitar Champions, Stacy Mitchhart, Carney and Noah Wotherspoon Band with “Just The Strange Brothers Strange Brothers” horns, Lenny Fatigati, and Jan Roll.

The CDs will be available as a free gift for a minimum $10 donation.

This event is BYOB. Food, water and soda will be available for purchase from Buckey’s Smokehouse, Johnny D’s Pizza and Cadiz American Legion Auxiliary.

It is recommended that attendees bring their own lawn chairs, sun tents and blankets.

Today, Friday, June 23, the night kicks off with Damon Fowler and Sean Carney from 6-7:15 p.m. JP Soars & The Red Hots Gypsy Jazz takes the stage from 7:15-8:30 p.m. There will be announcements from 8:30-9 p.m., and then Victor Wainwright and Terrance Grayson will take the stage from 9-10 p.m.

On Saturday, June 24, the Hoard and Jones Band kick things off from 4-5 p.m. JP Soars & The Red Hots with Sean Carney play from 6-7:30 p.m. Announcements and a live auction follow from 7:30-8:15 p.m., then Southern Hospitality anchor the night from 8:15-11 p.m., followed by a jam session hosted by Carney.

For more information, visit www.bluesforacure.com.