A local youth band put on a concert, which raised $3,000 for Autism Speaks.  Love Me Leave Me was one of the driving forces behind Rock The Spectrum, which was held on Aug. 10 at the Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville.  Love Me Leave Me, DNA and Clockwork all performed for a crowd of over 200.

Numerous local businesses came together to put on this event.  Businesses such as Mojo’s Music, Bobby’s Frozen Custard, Ervin Cable Construction, Schuette Law Office, Scott Credit Union, Pita Pit, Office Depot of Edwardsville and Garrison Productions all contributed to the final product show.

EHS senior Alan Bonk, the drummer for Love Me Leave Me, was the brain behind the concert.  “It took about eight months of planning, coordinating, getting sponsors, designing the t-shirts, marketing, several meetings with the executive director for Autism Speaks, meetings with Katie Grable form the Wildey and securing two additional bands (Clockwork and DNA),” Bonk said.  Love Me Leave Me also performed on KSDK’s “Show Me St. Louis” television segment.

Love Me Leave Me currently consists of Ethan Morris (lead vocals), Tyler Owens (bass guitar) and Alan Bonk (drums).  Former member Ally Cooper (lead vocals and guitar) has since left the band.

“We have always done 50 percent of our shows for charity, but this time [we] wanted to give back to the community,” Bonk said.

When Bonk brainstormed charities to donate to, the perfect idea arose.  “Since Ally’s sister was diagnosed with autism, we thought that was the perfect charity,” Bonk said.

According to Bonk, the band members and their families all pitched into make this event a success.  “Ethan’s dad was the emcee for the event, my mom handled a lot of the logistics, Tyler’s sister Tori designed the t-shirts and my dad helped me setup our sound system and operated it while I was playing,” Bonk said.  “It was all hands on deck to get everything loaded in and set up on time.”

According to Trey Garrison, of Garrison Productions, the show went extremely well.  Garrison was the lighting technician for the event and donated his time for the event.  “The show from my view behind the stage looked like it was a success.  The crowd seemed like they were having a great time, and many people were up in front of the stage dancing and singing along,” Garrison said.

Garrison was one of many community members who donated time and services to the event.  “It is a great feeling knowing you are helping out a good cause.  Garrison Productions was thrilled to be able to support the fundraiser and its efforts to raise money and awareness to help all the people whose lives are affected by autism,” Garrison said.  “It takes a lot of work to oversee every aspect of a large event like this and have them all come together on the day of the show.  Everyone worked hard and the show went great.”

As the show was a success, Bonk is already working on another charity concert.  The next charity show is Nov. 15.  The show will be held at the Polish Hall in Madison, Ill., to raise funds for a new roof for the building.