Friday Concert Benefits Local Emergency Center

A group of local musicians are planning a benefit Friday to help local men, women and families who don't have a home this Christmas.

"Claus for a Cause," which runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at Caffe Amouri on Church Street, features five local acts. Instead of a cover charge or monetary donation, the musicians are looking for items that can be used by the Embry Rucker Community Shelter in Reston, which provides 70 beds for the local homeless population.

Caffe Amouri owner Michael Amouri said he was approached by Mark Bradley, one of the benefit's musicians, who said he wanted to put on a benefit concert during the holidays.

Initially, Bradley envisioned tying the benefit into the shop's Toys for Tots campaign. But many of the young musicians are still in college and wouldn't be home by the campaign's Dec. 15 end date. 

Instead, they'll play from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday night and ask for toiletry donations at the door: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, body wash, or items that fill any other basic need.

Performers will include: Christopher Graham, Mark Bradley, Lexie Hayden, Nathan Scholz of Redcoat Rebellion and Challenger.

For more about the Embry Rucker Center, click here.