Comeback mission for music and education Saturday in Tega Cay

It’s not often that a comeback story combines with a fun music event and a mission to educate and help, but that’s exactly what’s happening live Saturday for Eddie Z’s Concert for Kidneys with Charity Case with special guest Porter Blue at Runde Field in Tega Cay.

Local musician Eddie Zimmerman, aka Eddie Z, ace guitarist and owner of The Playroom Academy of Music in Baxter Village, is also an activist for kidney disease. A little over two years ago, Zimmerman underwent a kidney transplant. Now, he’s working to pay it all forward with some specialized education and a little rockin’ music along the way.

“This is the first annual Eddie Z Concert for Kidneys,” Zimmerman said in a phone conversation. “It’s an all-ages family event with live music, food trucks and lots of stuff including a bouncy house in a special area for the kids.”

This special event is not only a celebration but is also designed to raise awareness of the difficulties involved with kidney disease, particularly since only two treatments are available, according to Zimmerman: dialysis or transplant. Zimmerman himself spent two years on dialysis before undergoing a transplant. His operation took place in May 2014, and three more surgeries were necessary.

Life now is obviously altogether different. Zimmerman is refocused on his health, his music, and is also determined to share what he has learned through a radio show (and website) done along with the director of medicine at Duke University, that’s designed to “teach don’t preach.”

And how does Zimmerman feel now? “Like the luckiest man on the planet.” Musically, he’s “inspired,” to the point that he’s now working on a solo record after signing a distribution deal in December. “I’ve recorded four songs so far,” he said. “It’s a little bit of everything from distorted guitar, all the way to mandolin musically.” He also said his solo venture – due out later this year – will feature music by Grammy-winning musicians.

Meanwhile, back to this weekend’s event, “It’s a full on rock show. You’ll know every single song.” he said.

He did let slip that a a very special guest musician, “Prince and Bette Midler’s sax player – Adrian Crutchfield – will join Charity Case for a few songs. Crutchfield will be there direct from his recent gigs with Prince and Bette Midler, so come on out and party with us.”

Lots of bang for … well, no bucks. It’s all free for Eddie Z’s Concert for Kidneys with Charity Case plus special guest Porter Blue, 6-10 p.m. Saturday at Runde Field in Tega Cay. For more information, call 803-548-3512. For more on the music, visit charitycaseband.com and kidneyrealtalk.com.

Music elsewhere

Friday: Spiral Eyes at End Zone, Rock Hill; Matt Tucker Band at Luke’s Sports Bar & Grill, Rock Hill; Ashley Rhodes Peeples at McHale’s on Main, Rock Hill; “We’ve Got the Beat” ’80s Dance at The Shack-Winthrop Lake, Winthrop University, Rock Hill; Catawba River Monster at the Handle Bar Tavern, Catawba.

Saturday: Remedy Hollow at Original Empire Pizza, Rock Hill; Khaos Kings at Luke’s Sports Bar & Grill, Rock Hill; Whiskey All-Star Grass – Tap Old Town Afterparty at McHale’s On Main, Rock Hill; PD & His Midnight Choir at Sylvia Theater, York; Rayen Belchere at The Trail House, Indian Trail.

This story was originally published April 7, 2016 at 10:27 AM with the headline "Comeback mission for music and education Saturday in Tega Cay."