Rock concert at The Wedge to aid man shot in robbery

By ELISE FRANCO

AUSTINTOWN — It’s been nearly eight months since the robbery and shooting that left KFC Manager Joe Kaluza paralyzed from the neck down, and a township business owner has not forgotten.

Ali Awad, manager of The Wedge Nightclub on Raccoon Road, is putting together a benefit to raise money for Kaluza.

“I’ve been following the story, and I was touched by it, so I had to do something good to not only benefit him, but to benefit the local scene,” he said. “I went to his house to talk to him personally.”

Kaluza was shot in the neck and paralyzed during the March 24 crimes for a $300 bank deposit from the South Avenue KFC restaurant he managed.

The benefit, called Twelfth Night, will be Dec. 12 beginning at 3 p.m., and will feature 12 local bands, as well as raffles, prize giveaways and Joe Kaluza wristband sales.

“We’re pretty much trying to raise as much money as possible,” Awad said. “A portion of the door funds will go to the [Kaluza] fund.”

So far, the club manager has booked 10 of the 12 bands for the gig — Jones for Revival, 5 Elements, Fuzztub, Grand Fury, My Dear Enemy, 2Fly, Gingerspittz, War Between One, Deviance Theory and Thrice Alchemy — and said he’s still looking for the final two.

Awad said he expects a good sized turnout for the benefit and has set a goal to raise at least $5,000.

He said Kaluza and his family will be attending the event, and the nightclub is wheelchair-accessible.

Tickets go on sale Nov. 1 and are $5 before the event and $8 at the door.

To buy tickets, go to Tickets Unlimited, www.clevelandsportstickets.com.