Have a Great Time While Making Difference

If you want to hear some great music and you want to feel good about doing it, come to the Venus de Milo in Swansea on August 2 for the Rock The Fight Against CHD (coronary heart disease) Four. Event coordinator and local musician Donnie Wilson is reuniting with his uncle Ed Violette as the acoustic duo Back-2-Back who rocked the southeastern Massachusetts area throughout the 90s. In 2009, Wilson’s son Jacob was born with a congenital heart defect, which inspired Wilson to record his album Sedated Echo in 2010. The doctors at Women and Infants Boston Children’s Hospital saved Jacob’s life and many other children with CHD, and served as the inspiration for his song “Super Hero Fantasy,” which is being used nationally in other CHD awareness efforts. Along with the Back-2-Back acoustic duo, the night will be hosted by comedienne and Somerset native Lizz Furtado and special guests include 16-year-old singer/songwriter Andrea LeClaire and comedian and fellow CHD dad, Tom Riles (who currently warms up the studio audience for the Ellen DeGeneres show). The night is sure to be a blast, and proceeds go to CHD awareness and research. Adults $25; under 18 $10. 6-10pm. 508-678-3901, 75 Grand Army Hwy, Swansea, MA. Reservations can be made online or by calling the Venus de Milo.

If you haven’t taken your chopper out on a summer joy ride yet, the 21st annual imPossible Dream Mystery Ride is the place to do it. The imPossible Dream Foundation for Chronically III Children is having their 21st annual motorcycle benefit ride, Sunday, August 4. imPossible Dream has no paid workers (volunteers only) and accepts donations only. Registration is $25 for drivers and $20 for passen- gers. The ride leaves at 12pm from East Warren Rod & Gun Club, 24 Long Lane, Warren, and ends at Scampi Restaurant, 657 Park Ave., Portsmouth. All money from the event goes directly towards bringing hundreds of children their impossible dream come true. Registration begins at 9:30am and bikers can enjoy a buffet (provided for free by Scampi) of lobster rolls, homemade stuffies, raw bar, etc., music, mileage pool, 50/50 raffle, door prizes and a full police escort for the 550-700 motorcycles expected at this event. Forty sponsors support and represent our great state in this exceptional charity. Bring your family and friends to ride on a beautiful summer day in the East Bay, and join hundreds of other riders to support our Rhody community. 575 Centerville Rd, Warwick. Mystery Ride or call Tony Santos 774-991-1742.