2017 Angel Ride

Former Journey front-man to headline annual fundraiser concert

By John Underwood / john@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 10/20/17

FAIRHOPE, Alabama — Get ready to take a journey with a popular 70s rock band’s former lead vocalist as the 16th annual Angel Ride and Concert kicks off Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28 at Oak …

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2017 Angel Ride

Former Journey front-man to headline annual fundraiser concert

Posted

FAIRHOPE, Alabama — Get ready to take a journey with a popular 70s rock band’s former lead vocalist as the 16th annual Angel Ride and Concert kicks off Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28 at Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope.

After Lynyrd Skynyrd rocked the stage in 2014, the annual fundraiser wanted to focus more on local talent the last two years, said Mary Carolyn McDaniel, one of the event’s organizers.

“While we had success those years and still want to feature local artists,” she said, “we felt the time was right to put a little excitement back into the ride and concert.”

So this year, Saturday’s concert will feature Journey former lead vocalist Steve Augeri, who served as the band’s front-man from 1998 to 2006, taking the stage at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

“We’ve had a lot of inquiries this year and believe we’re going to have a big turnout,” McDaniel said. “Bikers have big hearts and are always willing to go the extra mile to support a good cause.”

On Friday, the campground opens at 9 a.m. and gates open at 4 p.m. with free entertainment provided by The Tommy Morse Band beginning at 6 p.m. There will also be a drawdown and VIP dinner in the Lodge with special silent auction buy it now items available.

Weekend passes are available for $100, which includes all Friday and Saturday entertainment. An extra $20 also gets you two Angel Ride armbands.

Gates open Saturday at 10 a.m. with general admission of $25 or $100 VIP admission. The silent auction will continue from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Registration for Saturday’s Angel Ride will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and the rally midway reopens for food, fun, music and more merchandise. A $35 ride ticket includes entertainment for the day. Riders will depart Oak Hollow at 2:30 p.m.

A bike show will be held beginning at 10 a.m. with judging at 1:30 p.m. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. The event will also include a raffle for a custom motorcycle at the event.

The Wavelength Band will perform from 4 to 6 p.m. with Brandy & Special Announcements from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and The Rockhouse Band from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The event is a fundraiser for the Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride Foundation. According to its website, angel-ride.org, the foundation is dedicated to the mission of assisting families of children who have special medical needs. Families who qualify for benefits receive assistance to help pay for costs associated with the care of these children.

“We don’t want families with a sick child to have to worry about transportation, lodging, food and other expenses,” McDaniel said, “we just want them to concentrate on getting their child well. That’s what this has always been about.”

Applicants are reviewed by a medical panel and may be eligible for benefits once per calendar year. Hundreds of applicants are reviewed annually and this number continues to grow.

McDaniel, whose granddaughter, Rileigh Glass, was born with Down syndrome, helped organize the event with the help of motorcycle enthusiast Dr. Albert Corte, to support the foundation, which was organized with the family of Raylee Odom, who was born with muscular dystrophy.

Through the annual event and individual donations, the foundation funded families with medical expenses more than 900 times, McDaniel said.

On Sunday, Oct. 29, the inaugural Witches, Warlocks & Wizards Ride of Daphne, a bicycle ride to benefit the Angel Ride Foundation, will be held on Main Street.

Registration begins at 4 p.m. at Daphne City Hall. Cost is $30 for adults and $20 for children ages 10 to 17. Children under 10 ride free.

For more information about Sunday’s event, go to mancisantqueclub.com. Information on both events can be found at angel-ride.org or visit the Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride Foundation page on Facebook.