Long Beach

Rock for Veterinarians, a non-profit organization that helps military veterans recover from physical and mental illness through music, will resume its annual fundraising on Remembrance Day this year.

Also known as Music Is The Remedy, the organization was founded in 2009 by Frank McIlkuham, a banker and drummer. He recruited Jerry Salas, the star of the band El Chicano, as his head coach and persuaded his wife Catherine McIlkham to do business.

Since then, McIlkuham and his team have been recruiting veterans with a musical bias, training and creating groups. Among the special projects is working with paralyzed veterans and the elderly at the Golden Star estate.

When struck by COVID, Rock For Vets switched to an online effort. Makilkuham developed the process of recording songs with singers and band members, recorded separately and then combined into a finished record, distributing the final product online.

The videos, called the Quarantine Singing Circle, are designed as singing. So far more than 200 have been released.

Virtual fundraising has also taken place, but it is not a substitute for a live event, said Catherine McIlkuham. She was therefore delighted to announce a concert and fundraiser for Remembrance Day after missing the last two years.

This year’s party will be held from 1pm to 4pm on Monday, May 30, at Jimmy E’s Bar & Grill, 2951 Cherry Ave. Participation in the event is free, but there will be many opportunities to make donations. There will also be a $ 10 Rock For Vets Beer & Burger Combo.

Go to the page for more information www.musicistheremedy.org.