HARD ROCKERS SHOW HEART BY "ROCKIN' FOR VINNIE"

You may have read the tragic story of 12-year-old Vinnie Ocelnik, who died in a car crash on September 29th near his home in Warren. The youngster’s mother, Beth Ocelnik, is a well-known and much-respected long-time booking agent in the hard rock/metal community via her CB Entertainment.

Next Saturday, Nov. 3rd, that community is coming together to help the family cover medical and funeral expenses arising from the tragedy. WRIF, Silver Media Group and other sponsors have organized "Rockin' for Vinnie," a 12-hour benefit and rock auction at the Ritz in Warren. Beth hand-picked 17 of her and Vinnie’s favorite bands to play the benefit, and there will also be an auction, including autographed items from Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx, Queensryche, Godsmack, Fuel and other hard rockers, in addition to gift packages from Mike Watt, Cyprus Hill, Ministry and others.

Among the local bands playing the event – which kicks off at 1 p.m. – are Detroit Voodoo, Halloween, Sex and Patriotism, Mourning Sun and Primortal. The auction items are updated daily in the blog at www.myspace.com/gluemomma. You can also find additional info on the event there. “Rockin’ for Vinnie” is an all-ages event. Doors open at noon. Cover is $5 for children, 17 and under; $10 for adults. The Ritz is located at 24300 Hoover in Warren.

The late Vinnie Ocelnik