Local bands The Bear, Grace and Tony and The Local Saints will be performing at the Shoals Theater on Sept. 12. The concert is a benefit for the not-for-profit organizations Hospice of the Shoals and Westminster Interfaith Caring Place (WICP).

The fundraiser allows the organizations to provide services to families in the Shoals area regardless of their ability to pay, according to a Hospice of the Shoals press release.

“We have never refused our services because of inability to pay and through our fundraising events like this concert we hope we can continue these services,” the press release reads.

Hospice of the Shoals Public Relation Director Stan Simpson said he believes the involvement of the campus encourages the community atmosphere.

“We always love UNA volunteers,” Simpson said. “We always get great participation from the nursing students that rotate through here, too. Obviously this is a great event for the students because the groups playing are geared towards them.”

According to Hospice of the Shoals’ website, as the only not-for-profit hospice care in the Shoals, it is dedicated to “providing loving, compassionate, highly skilled care for patients with a life limiting illness and their families.”

They partnered with WICP for the event to benefit patients of both organizations.

In a press release from WICP, the organization identifies as a “non-profit Adult Day-Care Center for those with memory loss disorders and for those who are frail and/or functionally impaired.”

The three local bands performing at the event said they are excited to play not only the benefit, but the venue and with each other.

“It’s a great benefit and a great way to do it,” said Tony White of Grace and Tony. “The Shoals is so historical, and it’s a great opportunity for us to be able to play in the Shoals Theatre. Especially with the other bands who are playing, it’s really a no-brainer.”

The local bands supporting the charity was a great opportunity not only for the bands, but for the community as a whole, said Nathan Pitts of The Bear.

“It’s important to support the artists and businesses in your community,” Pitts said. “It’s a chance to see some good local bands and support a charitable cause at the same time. We’re always happy to play a hometown show and it’ll be our first time at the Shoals Theater.”

White said the event is not only an opportunity for the bands, but for students to get more involved in the music scene.

“It’s a chance for students to see what the Shoals has to offer,” White said. “Musically, the Shoals has a great, rich history and it’s back on the rise.”

Tickets for the event are $15 and are available at Rivertown Coffee Co., Pegasus Records, Off-Campus Bookstore, Coldwater Books, Counts Brothers Music, Hospice of the Shoals and online at www.wicpdays.org.