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Classic tunes for a good cause
Annual Challenged Child benefit features Mid Life Crisis
0501MidLifeCrisis
Standing on the top row, from left, are Bill Hallowes, Karl Reising and Ron Bracewell; bottom row, from left, are Henry Troutman, Allen Nivens, Michelle Alexander and Ed Waller. Not pictured are Mike Gottsman, Perry Troutman and Holt Harrison.

With favorites from The Allman Brothers, Johnny Cash and other classic rockers, local band Mid Life Crisis is set to jam this weekend for a good cause.

The event, Rock in the Spring, will benefit Challenged Child and Friends to raise funds for the Gainesville school for both disabled children and their nonhandicapped peers.

"Anytime you can give back, especially to Challenged Child, and benefit those kind of organizations, it's a good thing to do," said Ed Waller, the band's keyboardist and owner of Green's Grocery in Gainesville.

Allen Nivens, Mid Life Crisis lead singer and guitarist, said he is excited that the band will be a part of raising funds for Challenged Child.

"I look at it as a good time for all of us and it happens to be for a charity. And it's great being a small part of raising money," he said. "We just try to play at places and have a good time, and if it helps raise money along the way it's great."

Locals can see Mid Life Crisis, a group of local professionals, play several times a year for various fundraising efforts, along with a few performances at Gainesville bars.

Band members include Nivens, Waller, lead guitarist Ron Bracewell, vocalist Michelle Alexander, bassist Karl Reising, drummer Henry Troutman, guitarist Holt Harrison, who also plays harmonica, and guitarists Mike Gottsman and Bill Hallowes.

The event at the Brenau University Amphitheater is the annual outdoor fundraiser for Challenged Child.

The nonprofit's goal is to raise $40,000, according to Gail Schneider, fundraising and volunteer coordinator at Challenged Child and Friends.

"It will help provide scholarships for children to attend Challenged Child as well as supplies and therapy for children," Schneider said.

Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and their favorite beverages to the outdoor event.

Along with the classic rock show, a live and silent auction is scheduled. Some items up for live auction are a painting from local artist Frank Norton, a deluxe Braves package including four dugout-level passes, a barbecue party for 20 people that will be catered and include entertainment, a golf package at Lake Burton and professional golf lessons with Tommy Aaron.