Three local musicians have taken up the gauntlet to assist those affected by Hurricane Katrina by organizing a Latrobe Disaster Relief Day to benefit the American Red Cross on Oct. 2 from noon to 9 p.m. at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. Organizers of the event are Erich Bucholtz, Mark Ashley and Ed Fritz, Jr., who are working with Kristina Dulashaw-Swank, executive director, Chestnut Ridge Chapter, American Red Cross, Latrobe Mayor Warren Markioni and Jeanne Ashley of the Latrobe-Unity Parks and Recreation Department. Community sponsors are the City of Latrobe and the Greater Latrobe School District.

A kick-off Luncheon was held for media and community members on Thursday, Sept. 14 at DiSalvo’s Station Restaurant. Joseph DiSalvo graciously donated his time and luncheon costs to the effort. The organizers presented an up-to-the minute progress report, which included the announcement of a web site: latrobekatrinabenefit.com which will include the latest information about the event and how to volunteer to assist with this effort.

Financial assistance has already been promised by Toyota of Greensburg, Hollywood Music and Sound of Pittsburgh, Timken/Latrobe Steel Company, Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation – a part of Excela Health and Rolling Rock Brewery and Vita-Charge. Sponsoring in-kind donations are Todd Wilkens of Wilkens Internet Service of Ligonier, Unity Printing and W.C.N.S. Radio of Latrobe, which will provide simulcast interviews at the event. As other sponsors commit they will be announced.

The Latrobe Police and Fire Companies will provide support services at the event. City employees will handle parking, street cleaning, garbage removal; students from the Art Department of Greater Latrobe Senior High School have designed logos for the event, and selection of the winning entry will be announced, and Student Council members will be providing concessions with donations going to the Red Cross.

Bands booked to date are: Probable Cause, Gonto, Dub Squad, Doodis, American Music and Gashouse Annie. Others will be announced in the near future.

Tickets, as of Sept. 20, will be available at the following locations: Latrobe and Unity Park and ‘Recreation locations, Mosso’s Pharmacy, the American Red Cross office and the Little Shop at Excela Health Latrobe Area Hospital. Ticket prices are $15 each in advance and $20 cash at the gate. Checks for advanced tickets only should be made out to the American Red Cross Chestnut Ridge Chapter and Katrina/Latrobe Disaster Relief. Children 12 and under will receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult.