A special concert will be held Friday to benefit the citizens of Reading who were affected by the May 21 EF-3 tornado that destroyed half of the homes there, displacing many residents.
“Rock Out for Reading” will be at 7 p.m. Friday at the Granada Theatre. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
The featured artist will be Emporia native Kelly Hunt, who recently released her latest album, “Gravity Loves You.”
“Hunt’s love for her craft was ignited listening to early blues, R&B, roots rock, jazz and gospel influences,” Hunt’s website states.
Other artists include the Martin Dinkus Quartet and Between the Lines.
Victor Rodriguez was instrumental in securing Hunt’s return to Emporia, said Kyle Thompson, program director at KISS 103.1. Thompson said he talked to Jessica Buchholz, executive director of the Granada Theatre, to bring an event to Emporia that would best serve the purpose of raising money for Reading.
“This is the most beneficial to bringing people together to combine forces instead of several small venues,” Thompson said. “Victor Rodriguez was able to bring in a world-class act along with some local artists.”
Buchholz hopes Hunt’s presence will bring in Emporia fans and also fans from around the state including Wichita, Topeka and Kansas City.
Thompson said it’s important to keep supporting the people of Reading.
“It’s funny how news moves on,” he said. “Some stories out there, there’s still a need. Even 30 days later, the need is still there.”
Buchholz said the concert is family-friendly and ticket prices are lower for children under 12. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
Thompson and Buchholz said this event is unique because every media outlet in the Emporia area is sponsoring and taking part in the event. Sponsors are KISS 103.9; The Dawg, 97.7; Granada Theatre; 96 One The Wave; Great Clips; The Flint Hills Shopper; The Emporia Gazette; KVOE; Country 101.7; and Mix 104.9.
“It’s great to see people join forces for a cause,” Buchholz said.
Tickets can be purchased at The Emporia Gazette, 517 Merchant St.; The Granada Theatre, 807 Commercial St.; The Granada Coffee Co., 809 Commercial St.; The Sweet Granada, 805 Commercial St.; or online at www.emporiagranada.com.