Concert At Cheers In Midlothian Will Benefit 100 Club Of Chicago

MIDLOTHIAN, IL — Cadillac Groove, a Joliet-area local band, will offer a free performance to the winner of a raffle that will benefit the 100 Club of Chicago, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance, access to resources and moral support for families of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The winner of the raffle must be present during the band's March 6 concert at Cheers Live Music Venue in Midlothian.

The band plays a mix of music, from R&B and funk through rock. Band member Thom Dixon, the drummer, refers to the group as "like a three ring circus meets a party bus of top-notch musicians and drives into a room full of people having the time of their lives from the first note to the last."

Dixon said the idea to hold such a benefit concert in which the band itself would become the prize came from their baritone saxophone player, Kevin Gawthorp.

The sax player's idea:

"Yep, people buy a raffle ticket and if they win, they get a free Cadillac Groove show anywhere and anytime they like," Dixon said. "Could be their company Christmas party, could be at their buddy's bar, heck it could be a private show in their backyard on the deck for a dozen of their best friends."

It was another band member, lead singer/guitar player Mike Metoyer, who provided the inspiration for the organization the raffle and free show would benefit.

Metoyer's cousin, Tom Wood, was a Maywood police officer who was was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2006.

"The 100 Club of Chicago came along side the family helping them get back on their feet, making sure that his wife and children had the support they required and that their needs were met," Dixon said. "When we heard about this organization and started to look into them a little more, pretty quickly we decided that this was the organization we wanted to help."

The folks at Cheers Live Music Venue, 4660 W. 147th St. in Midlothian, were "thrilled" about the idea of hosting the raffle, Dixon said, and will do so on March 6. There is a $10 cover charge that night at the door, with two raffle tickets being given to all who enter and pay the cover. Additional raffle tickets will also be available for purchase that night.

Raffle tickets are $5. The winner must be at the show. 50/50 drawings with cash prizes will also be held, Dixon said.