RHONDA’S KISS, an organization that helps cancer patients in need, put on its annual all-star benefit concert at the Palladium in Los Angeles on Friday, December 8. The third annual event featured a powerful headlining performance from the iconic rock group Jane’s Addiction, and renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Keith Black, Chairman and Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles was presented with the organizations “Healing & Hope Award.” The award honors an individual or group of local heroes who have a positive impact on cancer patients, survivors and those in need. The L.A. collective The Hellcat Saints performed a special opening set and featured Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains), Josh Freese (DEVO, NIN), Billy Duffy (The Cult), Dave Kushner (Velvet Revolver), Franky Perez (Apocalyptica) and Scott Shriner (Weezer). New York Times best-selling author and comedian Greg Behrendt (Sex and the City, He’s Just Not That Into You) hosted and performed a set at the concert event. Download photos from RHONDA’S KISS: (HERE).
“Our third-annual Rhonda’s Kiss event in Los Angeles was our biggest hit thus far,” said Kyle Stefanski, CEO of RHONDA’s KISS. “We continue to be amazed and inspired by the ongoing support in our efforts to give back to the community.”
Jane’s Addiction, who wrote the rule book for alternative music and culture with their rarified combination of genre-defying classic songs and a cinematic live experience, delivered a frighteningly powerful live set full of hits including “Stop” (Ritual de lo habitual), “Just Because” (Strays), “Ain’t No Right” (Ritual de lo habitual), “Ted, Just Admit It” (Nothing’s Shocking),“Been Caught Stealing” (Ritual de lo habitual), “Mountain Song” (Nothing’s Shocking), “Three Days” (Ritual de lo habitual) ending with a stunning “Jane Says” (Nothing’s Shocking) which effectively left the adoring Los Angeles crowd thunderstruck. The pioneering group--Perry Farrell (vocals), Dave Navarro (guitars), Stephen Perkins (drums) and Chris Chaney (bass)--proved their alchemy of soaring and vibrant vocals, simultaneously psychedelic and epic riffs and a hypnotic and transfixing tribal stomp remains one of the most unmistakable and original sounds in rock.
Proceeds from the concert event will benefit the Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute and further the mission of Rhonda’s Kiss, supporting programs to assist cancer patients in need, and helping those who receive a cancer diagnosis make ends meet during treatment. Rhonda’s Kiss is a 501 (c) (3). To date, the charity has donated nearly $1 million to hospitals to support cancer programs and patients.
In 2014, Rhonda Stefanski was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. While she lost her battle, one of the greatest gifts she left was to create Rhonda’s Kiss, an event to raise money to help those in the inner city who receive a cancer diagnosis, but may be unable to make ends meet for treatment and support. Through the Rhonda’s Kiss Los Angeles event and with proceeds benefiting Cedars-Sinai, Rhonda’s Kiss events provide financial support to decrease late-stage cancer diagnosis in urban communities, and primarily for patients in financial need, by using a three-pronged approach: outreach (education, awareness and screening), navigation (medical and home) and patient services (treatment and financial assistance, and emotional support).
Funds are distributed by local hospitals in areas where money is raised. For more information or to donate directly, contact: www.rhondaskiss.org.
