The Spill Canvas Headline Rocktoberfest Benefit Concert

By CHELSEA NEWNAM

“Time doesn’t wait for anyone” sings The Spill Canvas, who will provide a free performance in Ball Circle this Friday at 4 p.m.  This lyric doesn’t ring any truer than for the friends and family of 20 year-old UMW student Chris Morawetz, who died last year of lymphoma.

UMW and Giant Productions are partnering with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in presenting Rocktoberfest 2008 this Friday as a benefit concert in Morawetz’s memory.  For every dollar donated, two will be matched by an outside party to raise money to help combat and promote research to find a cure for the disease that affects so many young lives.

The Spill Canvas, a four-man band from Sioux Falls, S.D. will headline the event.  Their alternative sound has been compared to bands like Panic! at the Disco and Fall Out Boy.

Since their debut album in 2004, the band has progressively gained attention and publicity.  They have been on tour with such major artists as Motion City Soundtrack, Mae and The Plain White T’s and are set to begin a tour with One Republic at the end of the month.

“Personally, I am really excited for them to come,” said Chrissie Woolsey, Senior Co-Chair of Giant Productions. “They have been my favorite band since tenth grade and I’ve seen them a couple of times live. [We] thought they’d be a good fit for campus, especially for an event like Rocktoberfest, and we’re excited to see UMW’s reaction.”

Aside from her excitement over the band, Woolsey also encourages attendance in expressing her hope that the event will raise as much money as possible for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Rocktoberfest will also feature The Cab, who will open for The Spill Canvas.  Allman’s BBQ will cater the event.