BY CHRISTINE FERNANDO
Sixty years ago, Stone Belt—a local nonprofit agency that provides resources and support for individuals with disabilities in Monroe, Lawrence, and Bartholomew counties—was based in a church basement and raising funds through chili suppers and yard sales. Today, fundraising for Stone Belt looks a bit different.
Belt Out Loud, a benefit concert in celebration of the organization’s 60th anniversary, will be held at 8 p.m. May 17 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Two bands—The Dynamics and King Bee & The Stingers—will headline the event, which is sponsored by IU Credit Union.
“Belt Out Loud is an exciting evening for Stone Belt to celebrate 60 years of preparing, empowering, and supporting people with developmental disabilities,” says Adam Hamel, Stone Belt development manager.
Hamel says The Dynamics, an R&B group, will cover new songs and classics by artists ranging from Stevie Wonder to Prince, as well as originals from their CD releases. Bloomington’s own King Bee & The Stingers find influence in blues artists including Big Mama Thornton and BB King, Hamel says.
A VIP event package, sponsored by Upland Brewing Co., will include up front seating, a chance to meet the bands, drinks from Upland Brewery, and appetizers from Joella’s Hot Chicken. Vegetarian options are available.
“The Dynamics and King Bee & The Stingers are both Bloomington staples in the music scene as well as friends who support Stone Belt’s mission,” Hamel says.
Tickets are $20 for general admission and $50 for the VIP package. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the BCT box office at https://bctboxoffice.org/event/belt-out-loud.
