According to Dickey, concert-goers will appreciate the fact that their admission fee is being kept very low and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to charity. 'We're only asking for $5 at the gate for the whole day,' he said. 'Proceeds will go to the Kiwanis, who do an amazing job securing Maine's largest fireworks display. The money will also go the pediatric cancer center at Cancer Care of Maine, a new outpatient setting for children, and we'll also be helping out the ALS folks (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease).'

Concert goers may occasionally see people walking through the crowd with donation buckets, according to Dickey. 'The admission price is very low and every penny goes to the charities. Our bucket brigade and the good will of attendees will help hopefully bring in more funds for the cause. Everyone involved with this event from Waterfront Concerts to the bands and artists are giving their time and resources to make this a very special Independence Day celebration. We're grateful for the valuable assistance of Tony Caruso of Maine Rental, Mark's Music in Brewer and Michael Crowley of Healthcare Charities.'

The full lineup for Chords For Cure VIII includes Oversoul, 'A popular Maine band specializing in classic and modern rock,' Dickey says. 'Juicebox will perform a mix of disco, funk and blues. 161 is a power quartet lead by Eric Mihan of Bangor Wine & Cheese. We have Chris Ross, an excellent Maine artist who just released his second album. He'll probably do selections from both in addition to some well-chosen covers. Blues and rock solo artist Gary Ciambella is coming from Montreal to open the show.'

Rolling Stones aficionados will appreciate the fact that The Stone Doctors take a very authoritative approach to delivering the music of that iconic band. Dickey uses a Mesa Boogie amplifier formerly owned by Keith Richards and used during the Stones' legendary appearance at Toronto's El Mocambo club in March 1977. Several tracks from that concert ended up on The Rolling Stones 'Love You Live' album later that year. The amplifier's lineage was verified via the manufacturer and it will appear later this year in a book chronicling gear used by The Rolling Stones over the last 50 years.

'Food and beverages will be available throughout the day and evening during Chords For Cure VIII,' Dickey says. 'The Stone Doctors will start rocking at around 7:30 and we'll play until the start of the fireworks at around 9:30. We've got a great little treat planned, and I think it will segue perfectly into the spectacular fireworks display. Kiwanis International have done a phenomenal job this year, as they always do. We would also like to thank the people of Waterfront Concerts for making the big stage at their pavilion available to us. This will be a very special event and to not attend would be unpatriotic,' Dickey said with a smile.

Mike Dow is heard each morning as part of The Mike and Mike Show on Kiss 94.5. Check him out at www.Facebook.com/MikeandMike and www.MikeDow.net.