Shenanigans To Host Benefit Jam Saturday

Spanky's Shenanigans in Leesburg is planning a special day of music Saturday to help a local musician who is battling cancer.

The 12 Band Jam will benefit Stanley Whitaker, a longtime friend of the bar who is grappling with the costs of medicine and treatment not covered by insurance.

The idea is the brainchild of harmonica player and Shenanigan's regular Fast Eddie, also a good friend of Whitaker.

According to Azmi Zarou, Shenanigan's owner, the participating bands all agreed to the benefit "without a hitch."

The 12 Band Jam will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday and last until 9 p.m. In addition to good music, guests can also enjoy sharply reduced food prices--burgers will be sold for around $2, Zarou said -- door prizes and raffles. A cover charge of $15/person gains one entrance to the event. Zarou said he hopes the benefit will raise upwards of $6,000 for Whitaker.

Participating bands include: Trick-Bag, Influx, Wall & Fry, Jason Meza, Odells Knife, Jeff Watson, Monet in the 90's, Gary Smallwood Duo, Animal Planet, Politicks, Fast Eddie's All Star Band and Rebels in Rehab.

Shenanigan's offers Spanky's Shuttle Service, a free ride home for patrons. The service, which Zarou said costs him around $1,600 a month, runs seven days a week and has been a boon for business, as well as the recipient of gratitude from local law enforcement authorities, he said.