Simplified plays Alzheimer’s benefit in Boone April 25

Charlotte Simplified will headline the first annual Rock2Raise Alzheimer’s Association benefit concert April 25 at Old Boone Fairgrounds in Boone.

The event lasts from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features live music and food from Joseph Samuel Catering.

Between playing four to six shows a week and constantly writing and recording new material, Simplified has blossomed into the favorites of fans far and wide and is garnering attention and words of admiration from music writers, radio programmers and reviewers.

In a recent interview, Chris Sheridan, the group’s guitarist and spokesman, commented on the ceaseless efforts to capitalize on each performance opportunity.

“Every performance offers a chance to cultivate new fans,” Sheridan said. “We just want to put on the best show possible every night. We view the band as a business just as much as we love performing music. It is a healthy balance of business and creativity.”

Simplified has recently entered the running in Reverb Nation’s online contest, www.playmayercraft.com, which offers an opportunity to play with John Mayer.

The band is currently at number 27 for consideration in the national competition.

A March highlight includes an appearance at the Great Atlantic Music Festival in Jacksonville, Fla., and opening for Edwin McCain at The Sky Bar in Augusta, Ga.

“Being able to perform in front of a receptive audience is the absolute reward for working as hard and playing as many shows as we do,” Sheridan said. “Even though at times it’s exhausting, there’s still no better place for a musician to be than on the road and on stage in front of fans.

Tickets for the Rock2Raise benefit are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. For more information, visit www.rock2raise.com. For more information on Simplified, visit www.myspace.com/simplifiedband.