More than 20 local TV and radio personalities, community leaders and celebrities will trade their day jobs for guitars and microphones on November 7 at 7 p.m., when the Media Music Jam returns to Bakersfield at a new venue, World Records, located at 2815 F St. Tickets are available, and every dollar raised goes toward helping Kern County residents cover the cost of cancer treatment.
The concert has moved locations this year, landing at 23ABC described as a new home at World Records in downtown Bakersfield. The outlet also confirmed the lineup draws together more than 20 local TV and radio personalities, community leaders and celebrities for one night of music. World Records itself is a longtime Bakersfield institution known for hosting performances from well-known artists, giving this year's charity jam a fresh backdrop after years at other venues.
All proceeds from the Media Music Jam benefit qualified Kern County cancer patients through the work of the Kern County Cancer Foundation, according to the Kern County Cancer Foundation. The foundation says it coordinates with a network of social workers at local cancer care and treatment facilities and distributes jam funds to Kern County patients no matter where they receive treatment. Event proceeds also provide financial assistance to the foundation's Mobile Angel Unit, which transports children and their families to cancer treatment centers in cities including Los Angeles, Madera and Stanford.
A Decade of Fundraising for Local Families
Since it began more than a decade ago, the event has raised more than $500,000 to help local families facing cancer, per the station's reporting. That track record includes at least one standout night at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, though accounts of its final tally differ: Bakersfield.com reported that concert raised $100,657, while KGET reported the 11th annual Media Music Jam brought in $100,000 for the foundation.
The foundation's financial assistance program can provide qualifying individuals up to $50,000 per person in a lifetime toward out-of-pocket cancer treatment expenses, according to the Kern County Cancer Foundation. To qualify, applicants must have been Kern County residents for at least six months, have received a cancer diagnosis and demonstrate financial need, the foundation notes. All Media Music Jam performers, including the Media Jam House Band featuring Thee Majestics Horns, donate their time and talents to the concert, the foundation adds.
New Venue, Same Mission
This year's performer roster includes Ally Lara and Friends along with Aaron Perlman, with photographer Jim Tripeny documenting performers and participants as the night unfolds. Kenn McCloud, a concert producer with years of experience working with local and national talent, recently joined the Kern County Cancer Foundation board and is helping produce this year's show. McCloud said he is excited to help produce the event and has surprises and requested classics planned for the crowd.
Kern County Cancer Foundation executive director Michelle Avila said the concert matters to the foundation's broader mission of continuing financial assistance to Kern County residents undergoing cancer treatment. The foundation says it has committed a quarter of $1 million this year alone to help pay local patients' bills, alongside support such as transportation, shuttles and gas cards for those traveling to treatment. Steve Flores, a contributing columnist for The Bakersfield Californian and a Kern County Cancer Foundation board member, wrote about the upcoming show ahead of its new downtown debut. Ticket information is available at kerncountycancerfoundation.org or by calling Alissa at 661-825-8249.
