Widen Presents Funk Out Cancer Saturday, November 20 at the Orpheum

Nov. 18, 2010 - PRLog -- The stage is set for Funk Out Cancer II—the second annual concert and silent auction to raise money and awareness for cancer research at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. A fundraising event open to the public, Funk Out Cancer is featuring music by international recording artists funk/jazz trio SOULIVE along with special guests Madison’s own Phat Phunktion and Mama Digdown’s Brass Band. The event will be held on Saturday, November 20 at 7:00 PM at the Orpheum Theatre, Madison.

All three groups are joining forces to present live entertainment in memory of Kate Gates Falaschi. Kate, the wife of Al Falaschi—founding member of Phat Phunktion and Widen employee, passed away from colon cancer in May 2009. Proceeds from the event will benefit the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center.

“Kate was an organizer and a leader. When she believed in a cause, she attacked it full throttle. Before her passing, she asked friends to organize a memorial concert for her if she ended up losing her battle with cancer,” according to Al Falaschi. “Funk Out Cancer was organized to fulfill her wish and we are happy to continue this event for a second year running with proceeds going to the UW Carbone Cancer Center.”

Funk Out Cancer is presented by Widen Enterprises and Last Coast Productions along with sponsors Comprehensive Computer Consulting, The Oshkosh Invitational Golf Tournament, Hausmann Johnson Insurance, Compendium, Intellasound, Honoring a Survivor—Gene Skowronski, Baker Tilly, The Douglas Stewart Company, M3 Insurance Solutions for Business, Shoemall.com, GroupLogic, Capitol Insurance Companies, HNI Corporation, Delta Dental and Media Sponsors A.V. Madison and 105.5 Triple M. If your organization would like to sponsor Funk Out Cancer, email support@funkoutcancer.com or visit: http://funkoutcancer.com/become-sponsor.html .

Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 day of show; and $50 for VIP seating (limited number available). VIP tickets are only available through the Funk Out Cancer website, http://funkoutcancer.com/vip.html. General Admission tickets can be purchased at the Orpheum Theatre box office, Willy Street Co-op, Context, Strictly Discs, Mad-City Music, by phone: 800-514-ETIX or online at: http://funkoutcancer.com/tickets.html.

About the Bands

Soulive
Soulive is a funk/jazz trio that originated in Buffalo, New York, and is known for its solos and catchy, upbeat songs. The band consists of Eric Krasno (guitar), Alan Evans (drums), Neal Evans (Hammond B3 organ, bass keys, clavinet). Although they originated as a trio, the band worked extensively with different horn sections, which consisted of Sam Kininger (saxophone) from 2000–2003, and Rashawn Ross (trumpet) and Ryan Zoidis (saxophone) from 2003-2006. The band also worked with vocalist Toussaint Yeshua from 2006-2007. www.royalfamilyrecords.com/soulive

Phat Phunktion
Phat Phunktion is a nine-piece, horn driven tour de force that combines the polish of top 40, the smooth feelings of 60’s soul and the raw groove of 70’s funk. Formed by a group of UW grads, Phat Phunktion has toured the United States and Japan since 1996 and has shared the stage with music legends such as Kool & the Gang, Rick James, The Temptations, Chick Corea, WAR, Cameo, Tower of Power, and Maceo Parker. www.phatphunktion.com

Mama Digdown’s Brass Band
Mama Digdown's has traveled the world spreading the gospel of New Orleans brass band music. The street beat they add has earned them the reputation as one of the hottest and hardest hitting brass bands. The band has shared bills with such musical legends as The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, The Dirty Dozen and Buddy Guy. www.mamadigdown.com

About the UW Carbone Cancer Center
The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center is the only comprehensive cancer center in Wisconsin, as designated by the National Cancer Institute. The UW Carbone Cancer Center unites more than 280 physicians and scientists, who work together in translating discoveries from research laboratories into new treatments that benefit cancer patients. More than 30,000 patients are seen annually at the UW Carbone Cancer Center and affiliated locations throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

For more details about Funk Out Cancer, visit: www.funkoutcancer.com.

Event Details

What: Funk Out Cancer featuring SOULIVE with Phat Phunktion and Mama’s Digdown’s Brass Band

When: Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 7:00 PM

Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 216 State St., Madison

To Benefit: UW Carbone Cancer Center

Tickets: Orpheum box office, Willy Street Co-op, Context, Strictly Discs, Mad-City Music, by phone: 800-514-ETIX or http://funkoutcancer.com/tickets.html.

Concert: Last Coast, lastcoast@lastcoast.com, 608-836-8999

Donations to Cancer Center: Kelly D. Sitkin, kdsitkin@uwcarbone.wisc.edu, 608-263-1677