This event (originally scheduled for February 11, 2022 and slightly different lineup) is a collaboration between several individuals, businesses and sponsors. Chris Harris of Project .44 and CONFORMICO, is working with a team of others to get much needed financial assistance to Charles Levi. Harris and Levi have been friends and bandmates in the Chicago music scene for years and when Levi fell ill this past year, Harris stepped up to help.

 

James Currie: What does Charles Levi mean to you personally besides being a bandmate? It seems that he must be pretty important to you to put on a benefit for him. Tell us a little about your history together.

Chris Harris: Well the benefit wasn’t just me, by no means, I’m just happy to be a part of it and help out, the whole scene is responsible for this happening every name on that poster and even more behind the scenes. Charles is like a brother to me, we love each other like brothers, appreciate each other like brothers, at times fight like brothers! He is just a solid human being, honest, respectful, caring.

 

JC: What is his current status? Is he out of the hospital? 

CH: He is at a rehabilitation facility now, still under care, I’m not sure how much he wants me to share so I will let him do that… but coming from being in a coma for weeks to where he is at now has definitely been a journey.

 

JC: What has the reception from the artists you guys put together for this been like? 

CH: Again, not just me,but anyone I have talked to that wants to help in any way they can…if they can’t perform they want to find a way to help.

 

JC: Does Charles have a tie to the bands playing this benefit? Is he doing well enough he might be there and actually perform with anyone?

CH: He has tie as friends to all involved and has played with most in some from over the years, it is very nice to see old school bands like Final Cut’s Srock and Haloblack’s Bryan Black figure out a way to be involved and play some of those tunes with a live band. I’m super excited to see that. And, if you asked Charles, he’ll tell you he’ll be performing with all the bands, but the hope is he at least able to attend.

 

JC: What can fans expect to experience at the live event on April 15th at the Metro? Bands? Merch? Special guest?

CH: I think it will be a special one time only experience,  performances you’ll never see again, community love and judging but what I hear working in the background… anything can happen. 

 

JC: For those who can’t attend in person, will it be live streamed? Maybe a pay per view option or donation viewing?

CH: We’re working on this as a possibility if theres enough demand.

 

JC: What will the funds raised go towards? If someone can’t make it to this event, is there somewhere else they can donate to this cause?

CH: Charles has been under medical care since late October, even with some financial assistance the bills are just astronomical, his life has changed where he needs to be able to get better, with the right care, and the funds are going towards those bills and rehabilitation. 

 

JC: How and why was Metro chosen to be the venue for this event? Is there a personal tie in to Joe Shanahan? Was it Charles favorite venue to play?

CH: Joe Shanahan has been friends with Charles for 35+ years, the building has so much history, I’m not sure it could or should happen at any other place.

 

Charles Levi Go Fund Me Campaign: GoFundMe Campaign – Charles Levi Medical/Health Expenses

 

Metro pre sale tickets: click here

Metro Friday general tickets: click here

Raffles / Auctions / Special Ticket Packages Available

 

$250 Ultimate VIP Table for Two Includes:

– Balcony Table for two- Four drink tickets

– Early Entry Meet & Greet in Balcony

– Admission to Dress Rehearsal (Thursday 4/14 @ Liars Club)

– Commemorative Laminate

– Signed Poster