Article & Photos by: Linda Carlson

Newport, KY – The Southgate House Revival hosted the 6th annual Rock ‘n Revival for a Cure, hosted by The Grove band.  The event is a benefit to raise money for glioblastoma cancer research.  Twenty-three local and regional bands donated their time, energy and talent to raise funds for this annual event, which honors John Forsthoefel. John, who succumbed to glioblastoma a few years ago, was father to two sons in The Grove, Adam and Matt.

The Southgate House Revival is uniquely configured to host this type of band-rich event.  Formerly The Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, built in 1866 and converted to a music venue in 2012, this historic building has three stages to accommodate this aggressive lineup of live music: the spacious Sanctuary stage on the main floor, the cozy lower level Lounge, and the ready-for-raucous-fun Revival Room on the building’s second floor.  Each room has a bar to keep the good vibes flowing.

From 3PM until nearly midnight, each stage hosted a band every hour, and patrons roamed from stage to stage to experience the incredible variety of music.  Bands included: The Grove, Here Come Here, Rosewood Coast, 90 Proof Twang, See You In The Funnies, The Last Troubadour, Sundae Drives, Kaitlyn Peace, One Day Steady (reunion!), Jim Trace and the Masters, Noah Wotherspoon, Wonky Tonk, The Peaks, Chalk Eye, Green Light Morning, Junior Citizens, BANGS, The Traveling Jam, Dead Man String Band, Frankly Speaking, Elementree Livity Project, Doghouse and Mild Mannered.

In a rare spate of March luck, it happened to be an exceptional 70-degree day, so attendees could also comfortably mingle outside to enjoy some food, beverage and conversation between sets.

This event is expected to continue as an annual fundraising opportunity, which is welcome in the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky region.  Local and regional bands are the lifeblood of the music industry, and the cause is a noble one.  Please support your local bands and local charitable causes!