When two treasured Michigan rock bands take the stage Tuesday on World Humanitarian Day, their Americana-infused performances will strike a chord for people around the world who have lost everything.
Roosevelt Diggs and Nicholas James and the Bandwagon will sing and strum away in the 4th Annual “Rotary Rock for ShelterBox,” hosted by the Rotary Club of Rockford, Michigan.
ShelterBox delivers life-saving supplies after a disaster. Earlier this summer, the U.N. released the heartbreaking, record-breaking numbers: 123.5 million people are forcibly displaced, including in Sudan, Gaza, and Myanmar.
“It has opened my eyes to the needs in the world,” said the concert’s founder, Rockford Rotarian Todd Olson. “For us, there is nothing sweeter than having a great time for a great cause, ShelterBox.”
ShelterBox delivers vital supplies, including tents, solar lights, cookware sets, repair kits, and water filters to people who have lost everything in disasters, conflicts, and because of climate change.
“If you focus on the headlines, the world is a big and scary place,” said James. “The problem is not a lack of resources — it’s in our clumsy distribution system. What works is people who help people on a grassroots level. We need organizations like ShelterBox, who are there on the ground helping people get emergency shelter.”
The members of Roosevelt Diggs also praise ShelterBox, which is rated 100% on Charity Navigator. There’s no Roosevelt or Diggs, it’s just a stage name, and the band is anchored by brothers Logan and Levi Duddles.
“It’s easy to put on blinders and focus on first-world problems in your life, region, or area,” said Logan Duddles, singer and guitar player. “This event is a good reminder of just how many people are displaced and have an immediate need. This concert provides a way to be part of a helpful solution, fundraising for ShelterBox.”
Olson said he got motivated to help ShelterBox when he saw “Ukraine on fire” after the Russian invasion. After a ShelterBox presentation at his Rotary Club, Olson pulled in concert co-founders Derek Reed and Kevin Vander Woude.
Now their grassroots show has grown into a roots rock celebration, with an estimated 1,500 revelers springing out of their lawn chairs in appreciation. This year’s bash kicks off at 6:30 PM Tuesday, August 19, at the Garden Club Park bandshell. The bands put blues, folk, rockabilly, country, and more into their musical blender and serve up fun.
“It is a cool outdoor venue,” said James, “There’s this remodeled stage, landscaping area, beautiful park next to the river in Rockford. The people love live music in Rockford.”
“We truly feel happy to be a part of bringing people together for a good cause,” adds Logan Duddles.
The band members and organizers describe the Rotary Rocks vibe as happiness, joy, dancing, and more dancing.
“I’m looking forward to that night,” Olson proclaimed. “We are going to have a great time. I am going to be down out front, dancing. Join me!”
