The Ticked Off Music Fest is a U.S. concert series dedicated to the prevention, awareness and patient support of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses that have become the fastest-growing infectious diseases in the country.
What follows is a chronological list (from most recent to our first event) with details of Ticked Off Music Fest events that have been held so far. If you have a desire to hold an event in your area, please contact us.
EVENT #11
Our 11th event was another Facebook Live broadcast event that took place digitally and not in front of a live audience. Gregg Kirk once again played an hour-long set on August 27,2022. The event started with some technical glitches but hit its full stride quickly as Kirk played original songs from his recent releases “Everything,” “Break Open,” and “Semi-Precious Tones.” All proceeds went to Ticked Off Foundation Inc., a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization, EIN: 47-4783824. This fund gives support to Lyme patients in financial, physical, and emotional crisis.
WATCH THE RECORDED PERFORMANCE>>
EVENT #10
Our tenth event was another Facebook Live broadcast event that took place digitally and not in front of a live audience. Gregg Kirk returned to play an hour-long set on June 7, 2021. Kirk also previewed the release of his four-song EP, “Semi-Precious Tones.” All proceeds went to Ticked Off Foundation Inc., a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization, EIN: 47-4783824. This fund gives support to Lyme patients in financial, physical, and emotional crisis.
WATCH THE RECORDED PERFORMANCE>>
EVENTS #9
Our ninth event was actually a combination of Facebook Live broadcast events that took place digitally and not in front of a live audience. In light of social-distancing circumstances related to the COVID19 pandemic, the Ticked Off Music Fest rolled with these changes and scheduled five events in sequence with several musicians who had appeared at previous live benefit events. Performers included John Faye (May 25, 2020), Cliff Hillis (May 31, 2020), Zhenya Rock (June 7, 2020) and Gregg Kirk (June 12, 2020 & July 3, 2020). All proceeds went to Ticked Off Foundation Inc., a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization, EIN: 47-4783824. This fund gives support to Lyme patients in financial, physical, and emotional crisis.
EVENT #8
Our eighth event was a collaboration between The Ticked Off Music Fest and Lyme Warrior to present… Ticked Off RVA2! An estimated $4,500 was raised and all of the proceeds went to Lyme disease research and patient funding that was handled jointly and directly by both Lyme Warrior and the Ticked Off Foundation, Inc. Both organizations are 501(c)3 nonprofit groups dedicated to bringing awareness and support to those who suffer from Lyme and tick-borne diseases.
The event took place on Friday, February 22, 2109. Featured music acts were Brickwall Jackson, an Americana band led by songwriter/guitarist Johnny Hudak, that is bringing Americana rock to new levels. Also appearing was Gregg Kirk, lead vocalist of The Zen Engines and founder of the Ticked Off Foundation, Inc., a Lyme patient group dedicated to helping those in crisis.
EVENT #7
Our seventh event was a collaboration between The Ticked Off Music Fest and Lyme Warrior to present… Ticked Off Richmond! An estimated $6,000 was raised and all of the proceeds went to Lyme disease research and patient funding that was handled jointly and directly by both Lyme Warrior and the Ticked Off Foundation, Inc. Both organizations are 501(c)3 nonprofit groups dedicated to bringing awareness and support to those who suffer from Lyme and tick-borne diseases.
The event took place on Friday, February 2, 2108. Featured music acts were Brickwall Jackson, an Americana band led by songwriter/guitarist Johnny Hudak, that is bringing Americana rock to new levels. Also appearing was Gregg Kirk, lead vocalist of The Zen Engines and founder of the Ticked Off Foundation, Inc., a Lyme patient group dedicated to helping those in crisis.
EVENT #6
For our sixth event, The Ticked Off Music Fest partnered with Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education (MLDSE), Ridin’ Steel and Taste of Maine to combat Lyme disease in Midcoast Maine by presenting the first annual MIDCOAST LYME AIDE. All of the proceeds went to the Midcoast Lyme Aide Fund, established to provide financial assistance to those in need for testing of Lyme and tick-borne diseases in Maine.
The live event took place on Saturday, May 6, 2017 as a benefit ride at noon with Ridin’ Steel that culminated in a benefit concert at 4:30 p.m. at Taste of Maine at 161 Main St, Woolwich, ME 04579. The concert was a tribute to the memory of Bill Chinnock, one of the original members of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, who succumbed to Lyme disease in 2007.
EVENT #5
Our fifth event to launch was Ticked Off Music Fest Hawaii on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the Pikake Room in the Neil S. Blaisdell Center at 777 Ward Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Musical guests were Mike Love, authentic, roots-reggae from Oahu, and Les Stroud from the “Survivorman” TV series. Also appearing was Melissa Cox (lead singer of Mythica who sings Celtic World Folk Rock from New Zealand) and Gregg Kirk from The Zen Engines.
EVENT #4
Our fourth event was Ticked Off Music Fest Los Angeles, which took place on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the House of Blues at 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA
The music line-up featured platinum-selling recording artists Cracker. The band is best known for their 1991 release “Cracker,” featuring “Happy Birthday to Me” and “Teen Angst,” followed by their 1993 release “Kerosene Hat,” featuring “Low” and “Euro-Trash Girl.” The band was promoting their latest release “Berkeley to Bakersfield.”
Special guests were Les Stroud from the “Survivorman” TV series who played songs from his recent solo releases with his full band. Also appearing was LA native and former X and Lone Justice guitarist Tony Gilkyson who played his brand of alternative country.
Nashville-native Alisa Turner played her breakout hit “Breathing” about her own struggles with Lyme disease. Also appearing was Lyme activist, author and lead singer Natalie London and her band Hey, King!
Sixteen year-old Lyme survivor and singing sensation Keta played her original tunes. She came off of a West Coast tour where she opened for platinum-selling artist Sam Smith. Gregg Kirk and The Zen Engines played songs from the band’s recent CD releases, all inspired by his healing journeys through Lyme disease.
EVENT #3
Our third event was Ticked Off Music Fest Annapolis, which took place on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at the Loews Hotel Power House on 126 West Street in Annapolis, MD.
The music line-up featured Les Stroud from the “Survivorman” TV series. Les played acoustic guitar, piano & harmonica and fielded questions about his TV show. Also appearing was Nashville-native Alisa Turner who played her breakout hit “Breathing” about her own struggles with Lyme disease.
EVENT #2
Our second event was a partnership with the Florida Lyme Disease Association (FLDA) and it was held on May 17, 2014 at the River City Brewing Co. in Jacksonville, FL.
The music line-up featured Pat DiNizio, frontman of the Smithereens, famous for such hits as “Blood & Roses,” “Behind the Wall of Sleep,” “Girl Like You,” and “Only a Memory.” Pat played acoustic versions of these songs as well as tunes from his solo releases. Also featured was Les Stroud from the “Survivorman” TV series. Les played acoustic guitar, piano & harmonica and also spoke on tick awareness and prevention.
EVENT #1
Our inaugural event held on June 15, 2013 at the World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington, DE featured six local bands, including Melissa Cox & Mythica, The Zen Engines, Cliff Hillis & the Forward Thinkers, John & Brittany, Laura Cheadle & the Family Band, and schroeder.
Speakers included Lyme activist Meghan Harrison (representing the TBDA), accupuncurist Christa Saltzman, fest organizer and Lyme survivor Gregg Kirk, and “Out of the Woods“ author and Lyme survivor, Katina Makris.
