Concert benefits toddler needing kidney transplant

A three-band concert to benefit Ramona toddler Liam Houck will start at Ramona Mainstage at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9.

All proceeds from the concert will go to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) for Liam, who needs a kidney transplant.

Featured at the concert will be Jason Winters, Haley Montgomery and Absolute Truth.

A Christian praise and worship band, Absolute Truth blends harmonies and smooth-sounding vocals. The soulful music is filled with melodies bursting with energy and promises to have hands clapping and toes tapping.

Steve Schisler, the band’s founder, plays bass and rhythm guitar for the band. Weldon Cook sings lead vocals and has a strong background in singing gospel with a sound reminiscent of Ray Charles and Al Green.

Jorge Flores (lead and background vocals) plays piano and keys with the group and also sings tenor in the Rock Church Resonate Choir and plays with the Rock choir ensemble.

Ranae Flenoid on keyboards is director of music at the San Diego Young Artists Music Academy. Her daughter, Shardie Flenoid, is the band’s vocalist and a music tutor at the academy. Lead and background vocalist Twana Chrisp’s strong yet, velvety tones adds softness to the group. Tarryn Chrisp, Twana’s daughter, sings dynamic vocals said to be a contemporary cross of Brandy and Lauryn Hill.

Doug Peck plays trumpet for the group. Guitarist Donnie Laudicina and drummer David Laudicina are brothers.

Tickets for the concert are $20 per person and are available at Ramona Family Naturals, 624 Main St. Checks may be made payable to COTA for Liam Houck. More information about COTA’s fund for Liam is available from Ramona resident Suzanne Reese, community organizer for COTA at 858-449-4844 or suzanne@compassionatechild.com.

Ramona Mainstage is at 626 Main St. For more information about the concert, contact Joe Carll at 760-522-8530.