by James Coulter
Local musician Joey Foley has performed everywhere in the Southern U.S. from Orlando and Tampa to Gatlinburg and Nashville. But perhaps his most honorable performances are at local fundraisers like the upcoming Rockin’ on the Chain.
Not only will Foley be one of the 30 musical acts performing at the three-day music festival this weekend, but he is also helping to organize it.
Having to juggle 30 acts on a rotating stage over three days proves to be quite the challenge, but when it comes to supporting a good cause like Autism Awareness, Foley is more than up for it.
“I am up for the challenge,” he said. It is a blessing to be able to have musicians in Polk County who are willing to give their time and effort to help with Autism and to help with this event. My goal is to keep this thing rolling and keep it rolling smoothly throughout the day, to have it start on time and have it end on time.”
Foley was previously involved with a similar event, Rockin’ on the Chain. He was approached by some people in Winter Haven to help organize a similar event in town.
“So I jumped right in with both feet,” he said. “I am a sucker for a good cause. And when these people came to me and said, ‘Hey, let’s do this,’ I was all in. Let’s do it. Let’s make it happen. And let’s make it bigger and better than it ever was before.”
Proceeds from this year’s event will go toward the new sensory garden being constructed at Winter Haven Public Library. With more than 40 years of experience performing at and organizing benefits and fundraisers, Foley is both excited and honored to organize this year’s Rockin’ on the Chain.
Rockin’ on the Chain will be hosted from Fri. Apr. 5 to Sun Apr. 7 at Tanner’s Lakeside, located at 1006 Lake Howard Dr. SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880.
For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Rockinonthechainbenefitingautismspecialneeds
Joey Foley recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss Rockin’ on the Chain and his involvement with it. Listen to the episode on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-30-rockin-on-the-chain-wjoey-foley?
