The metal band Incantation has announced a new food drive initiative for the remaining dates of its current North American tour. This effort will collect non-perishable food items from fans at venues and donate them to local food banks in each city. The initiative comes after the band experienced their own challenges with hospitality on the road.
Key Takeaways
- Incantation is collecting non-perishable food at tour venues.
- Donations will go to local food banks in each city.
- Frontman John McEntee cited personal struggles as inspiration.
- The band is seeking local volunteers for food transport.
Band Responds to Community Support
The idea for the food drive emerged after the band shared details about hospitality issues they faced earlier in their tour. Fans responded with an overwhelming outpouring of support and offers of help. Recognizing that others in the community might be in more difficult situations, Incantation decided to redirect this goodwill towards those in greater need.
Frontman John McEntee explained the motivation behind this new effort. He drew on his own experiences as a musician, acknowledging that financial struggles are common in the industry. "As a musician, I have had times when things have been tight, including the last few years," McEntee stated. "So I know how difficult it is to sometimes choose between medical bills and paying for food or housing."
Did You Know?
Non-perishable food items are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration, making them ideal for food drives. Examples include canned goods, pasta, rice, and peanut butter.
Supporting Local Communities
While McEntee expressed pride in his chosen career path, he emphasized that many people face even more severe challenges. "There are others less fortunate who don't even have the chance to afford food or shelter," he explained. This realization prompted the band to act and use their platform for a positive impact.
The food drive will accept donations of dry goods and other non-perishable items at the entrance of each venue. This direct approach allows fans to contribute easily as they arrive for the show. The band hopes to make a tangible difference in the communities they visit.
"I know times are rough, and if you can't bring anything, I totally understand. But if you can give, let's do our part to help out our local communities."
Call for Local Volunteers
Incantation is also reaching out to local residents in the tour cities for assistance. They are specifically looking for contacts for local food banks and, even more importantly, volunteers willing to help transport the collected food after each show. This logistical support is crucial for ensuring the donations reach those who need them most efficiently.
McEntee underscored the importance of community involvement. "We need local people in the cities where we are playing to provide us with contacts for local food banks, or even better, people willing to help us drop off the collected food after the show," he urged. This grassroots approach highlights the band's commitment to truly engaging with the local areas.
Band's History of Engagement
Incantation has a long history in the metal scene, known for their influential death metal sound. Their tours often connect them with diverse communities across North America and beyond, providing a unique platform for initiatives like this food drive.
Remaining Tour Dates and Locations
The food drive initiative will be active during the band's remaining North American tour dates, primarily concentrated in Texas, Arizona, and California. Fans attending these shows have the opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause while enjoying Incantation's performance.
The upcoming schedule includes:
- February 28 – Haltom City, TX @ Haltom Theater
- March 1 – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
- March 2 – San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
- March 3 – Mesa, AZ @ The Rosetta Room
- March 6 – San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
- March 7 – San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
- March 8 – Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post
- March 9 – Los Angeles, CA @ 1720
- March 10 – Anaheim, CA @ The Observatory
The band expressed deep gratitude for the support they received from fans regarding their hospitality issues. McEntee reaffirmed their commitment to helping others. "We will get through our own stuff, but we need to help others. We need to give back," he concluded, encouraging anyone local to these cities who can assist with transportation to reach out.
This initiative transforms a personal challenge into an opportunity for collective good, showcasing a different side of the metal community's engagement with social responsibility.