Image: Jerry Averill
I have a question for all of you! How do you create a perfect day? Not too long ago there was such a day, it was on May 22nd 2016 and the weather was perfect and the birds were singing and 300 plus Harley Davidson’s filled the morning with a thunderous roar as they traveled from Harley Davidson in Glendale to Los Encinos Park in Encino California to enjoy an afternoon of Rock n Roll! It was the 2nd Annual RIDE FOR RONNIE Motorcyle Ride and Concert. The event was held to raise money for the Ronnie James Dio Stand up and Shout Cancer Fund (www.diocancerfund.org). Some well-known faces were seen at the event, including “Sons of Anarchy” cast members Emilio Rivera, Star Fields, Michael Beach and Sean McNabb. Wendy Dio who is co-founder of the Dio Cancer Fund welcomed everyone before joining SUAS board member Scott Sentinella on his motorcycle for the 20-mile ride to the Park.
As the procession of motorcycles arrived at the park; Doctors of the Earth took stage around 11:40 am and started the afternoon with some great rock n roll ending their time on stage with the song “Hell Down Below”. The afternoon continued with Sonia Harley kicking out some old school blues and Rock with a little Motorhead thrown in the mix for some heavy flavor. Next up was Budderside who put their harder edge form of Rock n Roll out for the awaiting crowd. They were followed by Gabbie Rae and her very strong vocals which were showcased doing songs like Heart’s Barracuda and by honoring Ronnie James Dio by playing DIO’s “Last in Line”. The day just kept getting better; now Dio Disciples take the stage and absolutely tear us all a new one! The band was Flawless in their execution of the songs and with moments like “Rainbow in the Dark” where the vocals were shared between Oni Logan and Tim “Ripper” Owens the night seemed almost Magical. Wanted more, but the night moved on with Lita Ford taking the stage followed by Great White. Both bands did an amazing job and it was a great way to end a perfect day of music and entertainment.
Image: Jerry Averill
Bands Included:
Doctors of the Earth
Sonia Harley
Budderside
Gabbie Rae
Dio Disciples
Lita Ford
Great White
According to the events organizers, the event successfully raised $50,000 for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. (www.diocancerfund.org) Over 1000 people participated in the day’s events with 300 motorcycle riders.