JEFFERSON PARK — Members of the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department will square off on stage Sept. 6 for bragging rights and to raise money for two charities that help the families of fallen officers and firefighters.
Proceeds from the second annual Rock the Badges concert will benefit the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and Ignite the Spirit, two charities that help the families of officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
The first Rock the Badges raised $6,500 for each charity, said organizer Chicago Police Lt. John Garrido, who is running for 45th Ward alderman.
Three bands with members of the police department — Erik Lauren and the Blue Blood Sinners, the Jenny Rockis Trio and Phosphene — will battle three bands featuring members of the fire department — including Billy Ray Valentine and Northside — at the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., starting at 5 p.m.
While the Differents had been scheduled to compete as a fire department band, it no longer has a member who is on duty, and the band dropped out of the concert, Garrido said, adding that he is looking for a replacement.
It's About Time, which is made up of retired officers, will open the competition, and Sami Lin, the daughter of an officer, will perform an acoustic set in the lobby, Garrido said.
The top fire band and the top police band — as judged by several Chicago luminaries, including John Garcia of ABC7 News, Amy Jacobson of the John and Amy Show on 560 AM, and Bill Ludwig of Ludwig Drums — will face off for the top prize.
Tickets are $20 in advance at rockthebadges.com or $25 at the door. VIP tickets, which include a balcony seat and an open bar, are $50. For more information, call 312-499-8899.
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