(Photo courtesy of Erinne Blakeman)The month of November is also known to some as “Movember,” a movement that strives to bring awareness to men’s health issues and encourages its male participants to grow mustaches for the duration of the month.
Watch for Rocks, an indie-rock band composed of ASU students and employees, is lending its support to the charity with a benefit concert this Friday. Just created this year, this is the group’s second benefit concert as it continues to give back through music.
Lead singer Sarah Robinson, who is also an education and outreach program manager of EarthScope which is housed at ASU, said it was a group decision to donate all of the funds from the concert to Movember.
“It’s good to create awareness for a good cause,” Robinson said.
The mustache is meant to be a catalyst for men’s health awareness, just as the pink ribbon is for breast cancer awareness. Because men tend to be less likely than women to regularly visit their doctors and report health concerns, such insouciance has exacerbated health issues and led to deadly results, including shorter lifespans.
As Movember gains popularity, it is not uncustomary to see men proudly grow mustaches and beards throughout the month as they partake in the life-changing metamorphosis of men’s health. Supporters around the world dedicate November to the cause and raise funds for the official global charity.
Guitarist Andrew Ryan, who is pursuing his Ph.D. in geological sciences, said he noticed how Movember has gained momentum in recent years and wanted to contribute to the widespread awareness the charity aims to accomplish.
Danny Foley, a planetary geology research analyst for NASA at ASU, is the band’s bassist and manager. He created the event in an attempt to champion for men’s health.
“I was inspired by the month of October and what it’s done for breast cancer and women’s health awareness,” Foley said. “I really wanted to continue that on to November for men’s health awareness and just continue that good spirit of charity … and make the world a better place through music.”
With the lives of men being tragically cut short, it is Movember’s intent to quite literally change the face of men’s health, as it does with the sporting of facial hair, and provide men with the resources to regain control over their health. The cause is primarily focused on prostate and testicular cancer, and it includes awareness, education and research for the diseases.
In addition to Watch for Rocks’ headlining performance, the night will feature music by Sister Lip, Darkness Dear Boy, The Upper Strata and Ghetto Cowgirl.
“It’s going to be a great lineup,” Ryan said.
The Rogue Bar in Scottsdale, which Foley calls one the band’s favorite places to play, will hold the event that is only open to those 21 and over. All of the proceeds from the show’s $5 cover charge will go to the Movember charity, but Watch for Rocks will also have a donation jar for concertgoers wishing to add to their donation.
For those unable to attend the concert, the band has registered with Movember, and donors can directly send their funds via the band’s website.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. and Watch for Rocks will be supplying fake mustaches for the crowd to sport.
Reach the reporter at jurgiles@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @MrsMathers94
