Submitted Photos The Untouchables will headline the Rock for Hunger Music Fest on May 9 in Dunkirk.

A new community music event is set to bring energy – and urgency – to downtown Dunkirk, as organizers shine a spotlight on the growing need for food assistance across the region.

Rock for Hunger Music Fest will take place Saturday at Vibe On Five on Lake Shore Drive. The event begins at noon with lon Sky and will run throughout the day, concluding at approximately 11 p.m., uniting local and regional talent for a full day of live performances aimed at supporting the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry.

Event organizer Lorie Mets said the festival was created not only to celebrate music, but to respond to an increasing demand for food pantry and meal programs in Chautauqua County.

“Right now, the need is real and it’s growing,” Mets said. “More families and individuals are relying on food pantries and community meals than ever before. This event is about stepping up as a community to help meet that need.”

The Rural Ministry’s Food Pantry and Friendly Kitchen programs serve as a critical lifeline, providing groceries and hot meals to residents who might otherwise go without. Organizers say rising grocery costs and economic pressures have made these services more essential than ever.

Lucas West, a finalist on the NBC show, “The Voice”, will perform at the Rock for Hunger Music Fest on May 9 in Dunkirk.

“We want people to understand that hunger is happening right here in our community,” Mets said. “Supporting the Food Pantry and Friendly Kitchen means helping ensure no one has to wonder where their next meal is coming from.”

The May 9 festival will feature Ion Sky, The Swamp Yankees, Rockabilly Steve & the BR3, Peter Howard Duo, Siren’s Echo, The Hallow Society, Golden Annie All Star Band, and DTO, with The Untouchables headlining the event.

The event will also feature Lucas West, a nationally recognized vocalist and pianist who recently finished third overall on NBC’s “The Voice.” West, a senior at SUNY Fredonia, gained national attention through his performances on the show, including Foreigner’s “Cold as Ice” and a stripped-down piano version of John Legend’s “Ordinary People,” which earned strong praise from his coach John Legend, as well as coaches Adam Levine and Kelly Clarkson.

A jazz studies major, West developed his musicianship through SUNY Fredonia’s School of Music, where he refined his skills in performance, arrangement, and vocal artistry. His journey on “The Voice” began with an audition recorded in a Mason Hall practice room, ultimately leading to a standout national run that showcased his versatility as both a singer and pianist.

Organizers said they are extremely grateful to have Lucas West join the Rock for Hunger Music Fest lineup, noting that his participation brings both national recognition and a strong connection to the Western New York music community. West’s appearance adds a rising national talent to the event while highlighting his continued ties to the region and its local music scene.

Ion Sky (Tara Graves, Barry Edwards, Jack Pasquale, Bradley Heath) is a Western New York cover band known for high-energy, fully live performances spanning rock, pop, country, and alternative hits, earning multiple regional “Best Band” honors.

Rockabilly Steve & the BR3 (Steven Durusky, Doghouse Johnnie, Lynnie Durusky, Dale Rugg Sr., Todd Locke) deliver a high-energy “musical gumbo” blending blues, rockabilly, R&B, rock, Americana, and Zydeco with strong showmanship and vintage-inspired style.

The Swamp Yankees (Scot Laurie, Tim Bartlett, Jason Oshlick, McLain Hinkler, Ryley Moneta) are a country-rock band blending country storytelling with rock, punk, metal, and blues influences following their 2024 reunion and lineup expansion.

The Pete Howard Duo features veteran Western New York musician Pete Howard (vocals, keyboards, harmonica) alongside guitarist Greg Lay of the Seneca Nation. Their music blends blues, classic pop, country, and original material designed to appeal to a wide audience, led by Howard’s long-standing career as an award-winning regional songwriter and performer.

Siren’s Echo (Lisa Auteri, Kayleen Burdick, Rob Hartle, Mike Valine, Bob Hartle, Anthony Manning) blends rock, country, blues, and pop into a harmony-driven, high-energy live pertormance.

Two Towns (Frank Beach, Deane Patterson, Kristin Britz, Nancy Dietzen) is a classic rock band performing hits from the 60s through the 90s, built on decades of experience and known for strong vocal harmonies.

The Hallow Society (Sean Lander, Scott Slade, Jason Stewart) delivers a no-rules rock sound blending hard rock, metal, funk, and acoustic influences with a strong original identity and high-energy stage presence.

Golden Annie All Star Band (Nick Watkins, Tim Fote, Jim Royce, Rob Delamonte) is a one-time supergroup combining members of Furious George and Uncle Ben’s Remedy for a high-energy, crowd-focused performance.

DTO (Roger Chagnon, Brian Hornbuckle, Jon Muck, Chris Tiberio, Leslie Wille) is consistently ranked among Chautauqua County’s top bands, performing a wide variety of genres with strong musicianship and a signature local style.

The Untouchables (Bill Schindler, Bill Lisa, Mike Dietzen, lan Hill) are an energetic Blues Brothers-inspired show band focused on entertainment, humor, and audience engagement.

Organizers of the event are deeply grateful to all of the musicians participating in the event, noting that each act is generously sharing their talents and donating their time to help the Rural Ministry raise critical funds. Organizers of the event said, “We are forever in their debt and encourage everyone to support them every chance they get.”

The Rural Ministry hopes the event will not only draw a strong turnout, but also raise lasting awareness about hunger in the community.

“This is about neighbors helping neighbors,” Mets said. “If we can come together, enjoy a great day of music and make sure more people have access to food, that’s what really matters.”

In addition to live music throughout the day, attendees can enjoy food offerings, raffles and opportunities to contribute directly to the cause. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, with admission including food. Advance tickets are available at the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry office, located at 319 Washington Ave., Dunkirk.

All proceeds will directly support the Rural Ministry’s Food Pantry and Friendly Kitchen programs, helping expand their ability to serve those facing food insecurity.

Organizers would like to thank the sponsors who made this event possible, as well as all local businesses donating to support the cause. Special thanks go to Basil Chevrolet and the Kosciuszko Club for serving as food sponsors for the day, as well as Pizza Village and Blasdell Pizza for assisting with food contributions, and a special thank you to Vibe On Five for donating the use of their space for the event.

For questions, to make a donation, or to purchase tickets, contact Lorie Mets at (716) 785-7820 or email metsmichalak@gmail.com.