‘Rocking for Meredith’ brings music to the rescue in Rock Hill

It’s rock to the rescue for a very special “Rocking for Meredith” benefit, live Saturday at Luke’s Sports Bar & Grill in Rock Hill. Seven area bands sidle up together starting at noon to aid Meredith Strickland, a sick teen needing specialized care.

With a variety of chronic health issues since birth, Strickland, 16, was diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) about two years ago, seriously impacting her quality of life.

She has the opportunity for a specialized program at the POTS Treatment Center in Dallas. This comprehensive 14-day treatment program is not covered by insurance.

Enter Chester musician Mike Faulkenberry, who found out about Strickland through his son. “My 17-year-old son told me about a girl he was dating,” Faulkenberry explained, “that she was very ill and needed special medical treatment. So, I did some research.”

He discovered she lives with her family near Turbeville and is “at the top of her class, well-rounded, clever, but also in need of extreme medical care and therapy,” he said. “All of it’s expensive – and needs to be done in Texas.”

So, Faulkenberry went to work, with his eye on a plan to do a fundraising musical event. After all, he already had a band – Whiskey Prophets and its side project known as Mike Faulkenberry & Friends – as his starting point.

“Luke’s jumped right in as the location,” he said. When he put out the call for bands, he said, “In a little over 30 minutes, I had all the bands lined up.”

Saturday’s lineup features familiar favorites: Chris Sanchez Acoustic, Jody Edwards & Co. Acoustic, Mike Faulkenberry & Friends, Shotgun Saints, Khaos Kings, The Oneppo Brothers Band and Chubby Knuckles Band. DJ Paco will also be on board with tunes between the sets to keep momentum going.

Plus, “There’s no cover,” he said. “Donations are encouraged, with 100 percent of all the money going to Meredith Strickland and her family.” A raffle drawing will be held at 10 p.m.

Readily revealed are Faulkenberry’s enthusiasm and big heart, and his only motivation is to help this family through music. “I’ll be there all day, all night and into the next morning,” he said, without mentioning all the prep time already involved. “It’s all kind of overwhelming, but it’s for a good cause,” he said. “No young girl or any teen should have to face this. We just wanted to help. Help us make it the best day and best music benefit ever.”

Music and musicians come together to make a difference by Rocking for Meredith, a music benefit Saturday at Luke’s Sports Bar and Grill, 465 S. Herlong Ave., Rock Hill. Call 327-2701or find them on Facebook for show details. For benefit info go to facebook.com/events/183040118724773 or see facebook.com/mike.faulkenberry.5. For more about Meredith Strickland, visit gofundme.com/dcdjmhyk.

Elsewhere

Friday: Chubby Knuckles at Luke’s Sports Bar & Grill, Rock Hill; Catawba River Monster at the Handle Bar Tavern, Catawba; Mike Faulkenberry & Friends at Smokey Joe’s, Charlotte.

Saturday: Rockaholics at John’s Place, Fort Mill; PJ Brunson at Eaglespeak Coffee House, South Charlotte.

Sunday: Celebration of Life for Wes Holland at Debbie’s Diner, Rock Hill.

This story was originally published February 18, 2016 at 9:12 AM with the headline "‘Rocking for Meredith’ brings music to the rescue in Rock Hill."