NOV. 3 I ISLAND MUSIC CO. I EVENT
Island Music Company Hosts Rocktoberfest 2015
On Oct. 3, Island Music Company, in a partnership with the La Plata Business Association, hosted Rocktoberfest 2015 to benefit the Charles County Public School Fine and Performing Arts department. This year the event drew over 1,650 visitors and raised $10,000 in donations.

Originally planned to be a street festival along La Plata's main street with two separate stages, a rock wall, vendor booths, a moon bounce, face painting and more, the event had to be moved inside local restaurant Casey Jones due Tropical Storm Joaquin.

"Despite the tropical storm, Rocktoberfest went above and beyond our expectations this year. Several activities had to be canceled and the rest moved indoors due to the high winds and rain. But, as always, local businesses showed up to support this great cause," said Christine Parker, event coordinator.

With over 40 local businesses supporting the event and 10 performing bands, the free event offered something for everyone. Performances ranged from rock to bluegrass and included professional bands, such as The Paul Reed Smith Band and Franklin Square, to local youth rock bands.

"Rocktoberfest was a great event for a great cause," said Paul Reed Smith, founder of PRS and member of the Paul Reed Smith Band. "This event reinforces that music is such an important part of our Maryland culture and enriches our lives at all ages. I hope we can make it back next year."

A total of $10,000 was raised through community donations, raffle tickets and merchandise sales. The full amount will be donated to the Charles County Public Schools' Fine and Performing Arts Department to benefit the development of local youth in the arts.

"Rocktoberfest was an amazing collaboration put on by Island Music Company and La Plata's business leaders," said Dr. Kimberly Hill, superintendent of Charles County Public Schools. "We certainly appreciate the fact that LPBA President and Island Music Co. owner, Keith Grasso, made a substantial donation to the Charles County Public Schools' fine and performing arts on behalf of his organization. The event was extremely well attended ... and a lot of fun!"

"When we were first developing plans for this event, everyone agreed on one mission: to create an event that really celebrated the local culture and developed pride in the community," said Keith Grasso, president of the La Plata Business Association and owner of Island Music Company. "By having local businesses contribute we were able to capitalize on our strengths while exposing the local market to all that La Plata has to offer. To top it off, we exceed our fundraising goal even with the severe weather. I can't wait to bring even more music into La Plata next year."

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