OCALA, FL (352Today.com) – Restaurant, bar and neighborhood gathering place Shuckin’ Shack is bringing great musical talent to Ocala tomorrow, for a great cause.
The low-key, good-time brand’s Ocala location at 4414 SW College Road will serve as the kick-off spot for the fourth installment of its annual Fresh & Raw Tour, a showcase of big-time country songwriters that also serves as a traveling fundraiser for Blood Cancer United (formerly Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). Over the past three years, Fresh & Raw has raised more than $200,000 in donations for BCU–chosen as beneficiary due to Shuckin’ Shack co-founder Matt Piccinin’s status as a leukemia survivor–and this year’s goal is to garner another $100,000.
“We love to support our local community, and we love it when the community comes out to support a good cause with us,” said Karlie Munz, executive director of Shuckin’ Shack Ocala.
You may not have heard the names of the two touring artists participating in this year’s Fresh & Raw, but you’ve certainly heard their work: Dan Alley co-wrote Luke Bryan’s current smash “A Country Song Came On” and Hudson Westbrook’s chart-climbing “House Again,” while Sam Banks penned Craig Morgan’s hits “Ask Him” and “Going Out Like This.” The pair will perform on Friday, Oct. 10 from 6-8 p.m., followed by locals Gypsy Sparrow.
Munz says that while upgraded experiences will be available, like a prix fixe dinner menu that includes cocktails, shrimp and grits and several entree options to choose from, the show itself is free and open to the public–they just want to get people in the door to have a good time and raise some money for a worthy charity.
“We’re really into creating experiences that everyone can enjoy,” she said, “and it’s all for a good cause.”
Shuckin’ Shack’s 4th Annual Fresh & Raw Tour Kick-Off
- Friday, Oct. 10 at Shuckin’ Shack, 4414 SW College Rd., #600
- 6-10 p.m.
- Free, with upgraded dining experience available