Band Comes Home for Charity Concert

The band Slick is having a bit of a homecoming concert this weekend.

The Wayne-based band will take the stage at Our Lady of Consolation Church on Saturday to raise money for Pfc. Derrick McConnell. McConnell lost both legs and his right arm while stationed in Afghanistan.

“This is going to be a lot of fun,” said Allen Higgins, lead vocalist. “We’ll be in the town where we first started playing and that’s going to be an amazing feeling.”

Slick got its start by playing a gig at the Aloha East Chinese Restaurant on Colfax Avenue as part of a talent show to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne. They played a few songs and were paid $70. They thought they hit the big time. Cousin Brucie, the famous New York radio disc jockey, hosted the concert.

The band went on to perform at clubs and colleges, backing up well-known acts like The Coasters and The Duprees. The band has raised more than $500,000 for various charities since it was founded.

Although the band never hit it big, the bond of friendship they share continues to this day. Although they all have families of their own now, the band still finds time to practice together and perform on stage.

“It’s just like high school when we’re together,” said Rob Moore, lead guitarist. “No one can fake a persona. We’re still those five teenaged guys from Wayne. Who wouldn’t want that to continue?”

Tickets cost $40. To purchase tickets, call Wayne Police Capt. Larry Martin at 973-633-3512 or Office Joe Sferruzza.

— Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Daniel Hubbard at Daniel.Hubbard@patch.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.