Zellfest: A Benefit for Carlos, Serena and Zell Rodriguez on July 1

How often do you get to have a great time and help out someone in need at the same time? You'll be doing just that when you join us for ZellFest, a benefit for Santa Fe musician Carlos Rodriguez, his wife Serena and their newborn baby, Zell Flourine, on Sunday, July 1, from 4 to 10 p.m. at Santa Fe Sol.

This spectacular event will feature some of New Mexico's top bands, including the Broomdust Caravan, Jono Manson, Drastic Andrew, Anthony Leon & the Chain, Alien Space Kitchen, Andy Primm and Wrex. A silent auction also will be held, with more than 100 items in every price range. All of the proceeds from the event will go to the Rodriguez family.

The money raised at ZellFest will help Carlos and Serena be able to focus on caring for their little girl, who was born several months early on May 16, weighing only a pound. Zell will have to remain at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque for the coming months. Due to her size and prematurity, she has many challenges to overcome. Zell is a feisty and stubborn little lady with a whole lot of fight in her, and her parents have all the faith in the world that she will be able to come home with them. Zell's doctors have asked Carlos and Serena to stay close by, around the clock, and they are unable to work during this time.

Samia van Hattum, a friend of the Rodriguez family who is co-organizing the event with KBAC DJ April Reese, said more than 100 auction items have been donated for the event, and she is hoping the turnout for ZellFest will reflect the same level of generosity and enthusiasm.

“My living room is overflowing with auction donations! My inbox is flooded with e-mails of support!” van Hattum said. ”I am truly excited for ZellFest and to see all of us come together and show how we take care of our own here in Santa Fe.”

The Zellfest Entertainment Schedule is:

• 4:00-4:45 p.m. Drastic Andrew
• 5:00-5:45 p.m. Alien Space Kitchen
• 5:50-6:15 p.m. Andy Primm
• 6:30-7:15 p.m. Jono Manson
• 7:30-8:15 p.m. Broomdust Caravan
• 8:20-8:40 p.m. Wrex
• 8:55-10:00 p.m. Anthony Leon & The Chain

Belly dancers will be performing between bands as well. This is an all ages show (kids under 12 years old get in free).

The silent auction will include jewelry, artwork, ceramics, services (even a love letter written by a professional writer!) and lots of other goodies. A raffle also will be held, featuring gift certificates from some of Santa Fe’s best restaurants, and we'll have CDs for sale from local and national artists. The kitchen and bar will be open.

ZellFest is presented by KBAC/98.1 Radio Free Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Reporter.

Donations are accepted and encouraged Secure online donations can be made via Paypal Click ‘Send Money’, Use the ‘Send Money Now’ box on the right side of the screen Click the Friends and Family box, - Use the ‘To:’ e-mail address: thoserecklessmoments@gmail.com

Donation checks can also be mailed to: The Rodriguez Family 369 Montezuma Avenue #460 Santa Fe, NM 87501. For additional details, please see the ZellFest Facebook event page.

From ZellFest media release and publicity materials.