BRIAN KIRK & THE JIRKS Among Line-Up for Hurricane Sandy Benefit Concert

"Badly needed relief money for the Jersey shore post-Sandy has been slow to materialize," said Mr. Kirk, whose band has entertained Jersey crowds for nearly 20 years. "I am organizing this show to raise funds for the Highlands community that will benefit families and businesses now, as they start to rebuild."

The Highlands, located at the tip of the Jersey shore, lost roughly 1,200 of its 1,500 downtown homes from Hurricane Sandy and almost all of its business sustained significant damage. The impact to this working class neighborhood was unprecedented, tearing apart buildings that have stood for 80+ years and nearly wiping out an entire mobile home community.

The musicians involved have deep ties to the Jersey shore and hope to attract local support. All proceeds from the benefit concert will be used to provide assistance to the Highlands community.

Rebecca Kane , Deputy Mayor for Highlands praised the spirit behind the event. "This concert is a great example of the local government and private citizens coming together to help out their neighbors," said Ms. Kane. "We continue to face enormous challenges in Highlands but we will rebuild and make Highlands better than ever."

Bob Small , President of Helping Highlands Survivors, organized the charity to provide residents with a direct, local channel for aid. "The needs of the Highlands community are immediate and will continue for quite some time," said Mr. Small. "The funds from our charity will assist with real life, day-to-day issues residents are facing as they wait for funds from the government and insurance." Helping Highlands Survivors is a 501(c)(3) organization formed by families born and raised in the Highlands, and dedicated to generating funds to assist residents impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

Tickets are $35 and go on sale Friday January 11^th at 12:00 at the Count Basie box office or www.countbasietheatre.org.

SOURCE Hope for Highlands