JEFFERSON PARK — Members of the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department will square off on stage Saturday for bragging rights and to raise money for two charities that help the families of fallen officers and firefighters.
Proceeds from the third 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 two Rock the Badges events raised $20,000 for the charities, said organizer Chicago Police Lt. John Garrido, who ran unsuccessfully earlier this year for 45th Ward alderman.
Doors open at 2 p.m., and the opening bands will take the stage at 3 p.m., organizers said. The competition will take place from 5-10 p.m. outside at the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
Two bands with members from the Police Department — the Jenny Rockis Trio and Phosphene — will battle three bands featuring members of the Fire Department — Poochamungas, the Chancey Brothers and Children in Heat.
The band Veilside had been scheduled to compete as a police band before guitarist and Sgt. Tom Finnelly died unexpectedly Aug. 15 of a heart attack. The band will perform at the end of the competition as part of a tribute to Finnelly, organizers said.
It's About Time, which is made up of retired officers, will open the competition, and Sami Lin, the daughter of an officer, will also perform, as will the 2014 champion Northside.
A raffle for a 1964 Ford Thunderbird will also take place. Tickets are $100.
Tickets are $20 in advance at rockthebadges.com or $25 at the door.
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