Musicians set to repay ill mentor

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Musicians set to repay ill mentor

Local bands headline Marquee fund-raiser

The Arizona RepublicJul. 28, 2006 12:00 AM

A dozen local bands and DJs are coming together next week, turning the tables on Tempe's music scene. They are taking part in a show, featuring all-Arizona musicians, to raise money for a former club owner who helped them get notoriety in the first place. Mark Covert, who ran the popular Nita's Hideway, is battling Hepatitis C, which he had in 1968 and thought he was done with.The disease has returned and now Covert needs a liver transplant.

His insurance will cover 90 percent of the surgery expense, leaving about $35,000 to come up with, plus travel and aftercare costs. Covert has been on the list to receive an organ for two years, and hopes to receive one within a year. Help is on the way.The local bands and DJs, including some of the state's signature acts, have joined up to raise money for Covert during a one-of-a-kind show Aug. 4 at the Marquee Theatre. Even Tom Lapenna, who runs the Marquee and used to be a music-venue competitor, is donating space for the concert."Everyone wanted to help out," said promoter Charlie Levy, a former Nita's booker. "I think Mark is one of those owners that owned a music club that put the artists and the production and the audiences ahead of the money and bottom line and I think a lot of people saw that. . . . People saw that, especially the bands, saw how much he tried to help out and they are just giving back."The show itself is worth the ticket price, Levy said, because of the homegrown nature and diversity of the lineup. "It's a combination of a lot of acts that have graced Nita's in the past," said Lapenna. "We're grateful and proud. No matter whether they are local or have gone onto national prominence, they have all chosen to donate their time and efforts to this fine cause."

http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/0728tr-benefit1727Z14.html