"It's been more than two years since we started this thing and we almost thought it wouldn't happen this year," stated Stewart Riske of the band Sister Child. Indeed, coming in at some odd timing, the 3rd annual "Miles for Mazzy" concert just makes the tail end of 2003. What was originally supposed to be a concert to help the funds raised for the October "Walk for a Cure" which is the signature event of the Chicago chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, has ended up as a holiday Christmas concert to still support the cause. "This is still something that I strongly believe in and support. We like to make it more of an 'event' than just another local show and it took more time to plan things this year," stated Matt Friscia, drummer of Team Rockit and owner/president of Fire-tone Records. It was all about securing the right venue and the right bands to make the fundraiser event worthwhile. But why a fundraiser? Why now? And why for the JDRF?

The original concept of the "Miles for Mazzy" series started with once known, local disc jockey Robert Chase who worked at both alternative stations in the market, WKQX and WZZN. Robert's now four year old daughter, Mazzy, has suffered from Juvenile Diabetes since she was born. Taking multiple insulin shots every day is the norm for Mazzy and thousands of others like her that suffer from the disease. An acquaintance of Robert Chase, Matt Friscia from Fire-tone Records and drummer of power pop punk bands Poster Children & Team Rockit, lost his father to the more severe type I Diabetes. He wanted to pursue something with Robert that could help the cause while being associated with the local music scene. Thusly, with some initial planning and ton of support and motivation from another strong supporter, Stewart Riske (singer of locals Sister Child), the Miles for Mazzy concert series was born in 2001 raising over $3000 at a special Double Door concert. A CD called "Indie Rock Unites, vol.1" was also created out of the first series, which is still available through Fire-tone Records [ www.cdbaby.com/firetone ]. The 2nd concert series held at the Abbey in 2002 brought out some additional well known bands such as The Poster Children, Frisbie, New York's The Churchills, and Milwaukee's The Lackloves.

The 2003 line-up will not disappoint, as headliners Monster Trux have always been a local favorite and have just returned from a long stint of touring on the West Coast. This will be their first show in Chicago since June! Gelheds have become a Chicago staple and have shared the stage with larger local and national acts in Chicago throughout 2003 at venues such as House of Blues. Team Rockit is currently supporting material from their new release, "Duck Duck Goose" (due out in January 2004), and it has been over a year since Sister Child has unleashed their brand of rock. Come see an awesome show this holiday season while supporting a great cause.