Bucks artists Shane Henderson, Sonnder, Commonwealth Choir and more will unite for Rock the Troc: A Benefit Show on May 19
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Social media gets its fair share of hate. Distracting, dangerous, dumb … just name an insult and Facebook has heard it. But in the midst of politically charged arguments, puppy videos and cheesy engagement photos, the platform can sometimes be used for the greater good.
Eight months ago, Radio 104.5 DJ and William Tennent alum Cole Selleck proposed an idea to his more than 1,200 followers of friends, family and industry professionals — a mini festival that would showcase local bands while raising money for a good cause. The post was meant to test the waters, to gauge potential interest. Never in his wildest dreams did Selleck predict the positive response and influx of comments, messages and calls he’d receive from bands vying to have a part in his project.
That initial brainwave soon evolved into Rock the Troc: A Benefit Show, which will take place at The Trocadero in Philadelphia on Saturday, May 19, at 7 p.m. Hosted by Newtown native Shane Henderson of Valencia, the evening will feature Bucks bands Sonnder and Commonwealth Choir, as well as The GoAround, June Divided and Summer Scouts, with all proceeds benefiting music education through Play On, Philly! (POP).
When considering different charities and nonprofit organizations, it was a no-brainer for Selleck to choose one rooted in providing music instruction to young people.
“I wanted it to be for a good cause rather than tooting my own horn, a cause that I’m passionate about,” Selleck told The Times.
Growing up, Selleck reflected on how he always had a music class while in school. It was a given. Now, he explained funding for arts education is a fraction of what it used to be. So when he stumbled across POP, which works to enrich the lives of Philadelphia’s youth by providing daily musical instruction in communities that have little access to it, Selleck knew he found the perfect recipient of Rock the Troc proceeds.
“It’s a showcase of Philly bands where the money goes toward future Philly bands,” he said.
Just like Selleck, each artist in the stellar lineup credits music education for the success they’re enjoying today. While many befriended current bandmates during a shared music class, others, including Sonnder frontman Ryan Weidman, mold young minds as music instructors when they’re not on stage.
“It’s a really cool thing to be a part of,” said Weidman, who serves as a substitute music teacher in the Central Bucks School District.
Though Sonnder as the Philly and Bucks music scenes have come to know it has undergone some personnel changes, Weidman is making sure the show goes on. When The Times recently caught up with him, he predicted his opening Rock the Troc set to be a solo acoustic performance.
“It’s all for a good cause,” he said. “I thought, how about I do it the way I did it when I was a kid — super organic with a lot of emotion?”
During Sonnder’s 30-minute set, attendees can expect to hear favorites from the album Entanglement, including Along the Way and Siren Calling, as well as a sneak peek into its future musical direction with the soon-to-be-released Never Want You Back.
“If you took Taylor Swift and mixed it with Deftones and Nirvana,” Weidman said of the track.
Sonnder and the rest of the Rock the Troc lineup are donating their time, receiving no form of payment other than a fun evening for a good cause. Selleck described it as “humbling” that these bands, which consist of old and new friends alike, are willingly giving up a Saturday night to help him in his mission.
“The whole show is a very communal thing to benefit something on a grander scale,” he said.
Rock the Troc will run very much like a Radio 104.5 Block Party, with each artist performing a 25- to 30-minute set, with the exception of headliner Henderson, who will play for one hour. To eliminate what Selleck called “dead silence” in between sets, DJ John D of Through Being Cool Emo Night will entertain the crowd.
Selleck also promises a number of surprises and special guests throughout the evening. Attendees will have the chance to meet and take photos with internet sensation Aunt Terri, who chronicles the stereotypical life of a South Philly woman. During Valencia’s set, not only will bassist George Ciukurescu make a special appearance, but string students from Play On, Philly! will perform the band’s songs alongside him and Henderson.
“They’re classically trained so it’s a really cool twist,” he said. “It also shows the audience where their money is going.”
Tickets for Rock the Troc are still available for $15 online or $20 at the door. Those who purchase tickets in advance will be entered for a chance to see Henderson perform in-studio during Radio 104.5’s Live @ 5 session on Friday, May 18. ••
If you go…
Rock the Troc will take place Saturday, May 19, at The Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., Philadelphia. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show begins at 7 p.m. This is an all ages event with proceeds benefiting Play On, Philly!
Visit thetroc.com/event/1573577-rock-troc-benefit-show-philadelphia/ for more information. You can also search “Rock the Troc” on YouTube to view Foxal Productions’ ongoing documentary on the event.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
