Musical battle set to raise funds for USA Health: Doc Rock

Olivia Wilson
·3 min read

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Bands are preparing for a musical battle to help raise money for research and clinical needs at local hospitals.

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According to a press release, Doc Rock, a “battle of the bands” style event hosted by USA Health is set to happen Thursday at Soul Kitchen in downtown Mobile. Doors to the event open at 7 p.m.

EVENT LOCATION:

Tickets to the musical battle can be purchased at USA Health’s website. Organizers said that overall proceeds will benefit research and clinical needs at USA Health University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, the Mitchell Cancer Institute, Providence Hospital and the Physician Enterprise.

Photo of the crowd at Doc Rock 2023.
(Photo courtesy: University of South Alabama. Used with permission.)

Five bands were selected for the competition. According to the release, at least one member of each band is affiliated with USA Health.

  • By the Way: Although it is a new band to the Mobile area, band members say they have “extensive experience in the Mobile music scene.” Band members have played in Redhouse, Peek, the Wes Loper Band, and AM Radio. By the Way is raising money for USA Health Mitchell Cancer Insitute. One of the band members is a radiation oncologist, according to the release.

  • Mobile Second Line Society Brass Band: This band is “inspired by the sounds of Mardi Gras,” according to the release. Mobile Second Line Society Brass Band has been specializing in playing hard-driving funk and rock since 2014. Band members are raising money for the H. Pete Jones Neuroscience Research Endowment. “One band member is a USA Health physician, professor and chair of the Department of Neurology, and a second band member is a USA Health resident.”

  • Sloth Racer: Formed in 2017, this band features a revolving cast of musicians. According to the release, listeners can expect to hear a mix of favorite hits from the 90s to the present day. The band is raising funds for USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “Sloth Racer family members have experienced first-hand the amazing work of USA Health,” the release notes.

  • The Shotcallers: A relatively new band compared to the others, the Shotcallers started playing in 2021 and have not stopped since. According to the press release, the band plays hits from the 60s and 70s as well as some newer songs. Listeners can enjoy blues-style music from the band’s members. Raising money for the Cardiopulmonary Department at Children’s & Women’s Hospital, band members “include a respiratory therapist at USA Allergy and Asthma and a surgery nurse at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital.”

  • Society Hill: This band has been playing and singing “for decades,” according to the release. Although most known for playing gospel music, the band is set to perform a variety of classic songs from throughout the years at the event. The band is raising money and awareness for USA Health’s Project Inspire. Band members include two USA Health physicians, a nurse administrator, and one in IT.

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Event attendees can vote for their favorite band out of the ones listed above. Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories, according to the release. Early voting has started online on USA Health’s website.

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