‘Jackyl’ Concert at APlex Was Massive Success

For a first-of-its-kind event, the money raised from ticket sales and a raffle all benefitted several charities and the Unmet Needs Program for the VFW.

“They were so proud to be here and be a part of that and have our community support the VFW, and that’s right on their national page how thankful they were that Alpena did so well in coming out and supporting the VFW,” said Don Monti, the lead promoter for the concert.

$4600 was raised from a guitar raffle, over $22,000 was raised in total, and 932 people out of the 1100 tickets sold showed up to rock out with the band. They are appreciative of the local community’s support for a good cause.

“Now everybody can see and believe that it can happen, so I believe that the next one will be, I’m hoping, astronomical,” said Monti. “I hope everybody here with our businesses and stuff really wants to jump on board and make this happen quicker and faster.”

Now, Monti is looking for more bands to bring to northeast Michigan, but would like the community’s input on what kinds of music they would want to see.

“I know I can bring a live act here,” said Monti. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be this one again, it could be another one, but I want to hear from people and get their ideas. Give me some thoughts of bands you’d like. It doesn’t have to be this band every time, it could be different rock bands. I want our community to splurge and be known for something like this because it can really be a good thing. Music makes the world go ’round.”

Monti says he is working on bringing more musical acts to northeast Michigan but cannot yet reveal which ones.