SMITHBURG -- While the lineup doesn't include anyone of Britney Spears' fame, promoters of a Saturday night benefit are hoping for a sellout crowd.
"I've just got to get rid of these tickets," said David Leda, a school psychologist organizing a benefit to help the family of Doddridge County Middle School student Charlie Nay. "I want to help these people."
Nay, a fifth grader, has bone cancer that has metastasized to his lungs, Leda said. Because of his intensive chemotherapy schedule, Nay's parents, James and Pam, have been making numerous day trips and overnights to Morgantown, where the boy is hospitalized.
"He's ornery, like all fifth-graders," Leda jokingly said of Nay, who has been on homebound instruction since early fall. "He's a fun guy, well liked; he likes to play video games."
The child has so touched Doddridge Countians that a number of volunteers have stepped forward to either perform or staff the concert. Teachers are donating refreshments, as well.
"It's for the kid," Leda said of all the effort. "We care about our kids here."
Leda said the concert format should please a wide variety of musical preferences. The first half is gospel, bluegrass and classical, featuring Kevin Brown of the Christian Heirs and Cheyenne Ridge of Salem and Clarksburg.
The second half will be rock, featuring three Doddridge County High School bands and a DCHS faculty band called Nobody's Children.
Leda is a guitar and bass player for the latter band, which will also include WOBG disc jockey Mark Cristy and Norm Hall, a child behavior specialist from the Summit Center, for that performance.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Saturday for the concert at Doddridge County Middle School, on Route 50 in the Smithburg area. Music will begin at 7 p.m.
Tickets for the benefit are available at the West Union and Salem Cottage Corner restaurants, the Salem IGA and at the door. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children aged 10-17 and free for children 10 and younger. Donations will also be accepted.
All proceeds will go to the Nay family to cover travel expenses related to Charlie's medical care.
Regional editor Nora Edinger can be reached at 626-1403.
