Back to School rock show to benefit Haywood Schools

Allison Purifoy, a local school teacher and lead vocalist for the rock band Roses Unread, has put together a back to school concert to benefit Haywood County Schools. The "Back to Schoolhouse Rock" show features five bands from the mid-south region performing on the grounds of the Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville Saturday, September 13. Showtime begins at 1 p.m. and admission is $5 worth of school supplies. Teachers with school IDs will get in free.

"It is very important that the children in our school system have the necessary supplies to meet their educational needs and have a successful school year," says Purifoy. "I wanted to put this benefit together to do something to help meet some of those needs."

Among the most needed items, according to Purifoy, are pencils and Kleenex tissue. But other traditional items such as paper, pens, crayons, composition books and writing tablets are also needed. School supply lists for each school can be found at www.haywoodschools.com.

Roses Unread

Purifoy is a second grade teacher at Haywood Elementary School. Her Brownsville-based group, Roses Unread, consists of five individuals from varied walks of life who came together to write "good rock 'n roll" music and perform. Branding themselves as "a little bit different," since 2004 they have released two full-length albums and music videos, performed countless shows, garnered global airplay, and boast a worldwide following of fans. Roses Unread will perform at 5 p.m.

"It is great to know that my music can help with such a great cause. As a teacher, it is very important to me that every child has what they need."

Bobby & Becky Stokely

Brownsville's Bobby and Becky Stokely will perform at 4 p.m. The Stokely's enjoy playing their two-person acoustic shows which include everything from country and blues to rock and funk. Becky is a kindergarten teacher at Anderson Early Childhood Development Center in Brownsville and also recognizes the importance of each child having what they need to succeed.

"This show is a natural for Bobby and me to participate in," says Stokely. "It's important because it brings the community together in support of our schools and it's a great way to kick off ‘I (heart) HCS’ week."

William Charles Collective

Other groups to perform include William Charles Collective (WCC). The Memphis-based WCC blends southern rock, folk and bluegrass to produce their own organic sound and will kick-off the event at 1 p.m. 

The Long Patrol

The Long Patrol (2 p.m.) is a pop/rock four-piece band with a considerable jazz and blues influence. The members are all Tipton County residents. 

Shekinah

Shekinah (3 p.m.) is a north Mississippi Christian music group that likes to "rock for Jesus;” a professional group of musicians that want to reach the people of today with upbeat, positive music.

For more information about the show, contact the Delta Heritage Center at 731-779-9000, visit www.westtnheritage.com or email info@westtnheritage.com.