A diverse collection of local bands will be performing at the Southgate House Revival in Newport tonight, all to help out one of their own. Tonight’s “full house” Southgate show (with music on all three stages) was designed to raise money for Ed Ackerson, a veteran local musician who has played with numerous bands over the years, including Snowshoe Crabs, Stays in Vegas, Strangelove and Hurricane.
The Northern Kentucky-based guitarist has been battling kidney disease for around two decades — almost as long as he’s been playing out with area bands. Ackerson is reportedly now in complete renal failure, on dialysis and waiting for a matching donor. The funds raised at the Southgate concert will go to help Ackerson and his family in their time of need. (Ackerman is the father of four.)
Scheduled to appear at tonight’s 8 p.m. show — dubbed “Ackfest” — are Prizoner, Hurricane, The Core, Muleshine, Mudpies, Sticky Honey, Kenton Station, Bad Boy Troy, Iconx, Beginnings and more. There will also be silent auction to raise additional funds. Admission is a $12 donation at the door.
This article appears in May 7-13, 2014.