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SLIDESHOW: FOR THE KIDS! Guernsey Beat Rocks continues Four Diamonds fundraising tradition

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SLIDESHOW:
FOR THE KIDS! Guernsey Beat Rocks continues Four Diamonds fundraising tradition

Nineteen bands across numerous genres participated in the Guernsey Beat Rock two-day charity event last month, raising funds for the Four Diamonds organization.  Presented by Guernsey Beat Records and Ploughman Cider Taproom, the festival took place on the Arts Oasis Stage on Lincoln Square and at the Micheaux Brewing Company.

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“FOR THE KIDS!” was a repeated reminder called out by the musicians throughout their performances, encouraging spectators to “put it in the buckets”, as large white donation buckets were passed around.  

This was Guernsey Beat Rocks’ second annual event, which will be continuing the popular Gettysburg Rocks tradition in our community each summer.

Over the past twelve years, the Gettysburg Rocks bi-annual music festival has been a popular tradition in our Gettysburg community, raising funds for Four Diamonds, an organization dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, medical care, and patient and family support. Founded by local promoter and radio personality Rob Simon, the first event in February 2014 included 130 live bands across 12 regional venues and raised over $14,000. Since then, the festival, held in February and August each year, has seen local and regional musicians continuing to step up and donating their talent and time to raise awareness and funds for the cause.

As of 2025, Guernsey Beat Rocks, under the leadership of Dr. Rob Leib and Ben Wenk, has taken over the August event, initially on a smaller scale (19 bands, two venues, two days), while Gettysburg Rocks will continue the February festival on a larger scale (150 bands, 15 venues, three days). “Gettysburg Rocks is a tremendous undertaking, many times larger than the event we hold in August. Its members have expressed the desire to continue the tradition of the February event, while leaving the August event to us, which we hope will grow in time to match their past efforts, with larger participation among local bands and venues, going forward”, says Rob Leib. 

The August event raised $5,800 from merchandise fundraisers, online and day-of-event donations, and a matching donation from Ploughman Cider Taproom. “This is an impressive total, especially in a year where higher costs mean people have less to give to worthy causes like Four Diamonds.”, says Leib. He further reported that the scene was infused with community spirit and generosity, making him proud of this town. “Guernsey Beat Records is very honored to take the reins of this important event, using our deep connection with the local music scene and special skills in event planning and live sound to create an experience that makes people pay attention to this worthy cause.” 

The Guernsey Beats Rock team expressed their thanks to participating venues, Ploughman Cider Taproom and Michaux Brewing Company, for opening their businesses to the event; the many volunteers, as well as the Gettysburg Rocks team for their support; and the Adams County Arts Council who partner with Ploughman to maintain the beloved Arts Oasis stage, which they co-book from May through October every year and which is a very important hub of culture and community in town.

Leib also expressed thanks to the 19 bands who participated. “While we believe musicians should always be compensated for sharing their gifts, they also understand the value of donating their time and talents to such a worthy cause and did so gladly”, says Leib. “We also want to thank all the spectators who came out to listen to the music, build community with their neighbors, and give what they can to help the fight against childhood cancer. The lion’s share of what we raised came from the audience members in sheer appreciation of the artistry and recognition of Four Diamonds’ mission.”

 Gettysburg Rock committee member Mike Calandrelle who helped the Guernsey Beat Rocks team with this event, had joined the initial Gettysburg Rocks project many years ago, when his and his wife Sharon’s own granddaughter was diagnosed with leukemia and was helped by Four Diamonds throughout her illness (and eventual recovery). Both Mike and Sharon have been organizers since then. Along with other Gettysburg Rocks members, Mike was on hand at the event to assist the Guernsey Beat Rocks project by advertising, booking music, and working on site, collecting donations and selling merchandise.

“Gettysburg Rocks has raised close to $400,000 for Four Diamonds over the 12 years of its existence,” says Calandrelle. “There are other regional fundraisers for 4D happening in the area. Yet, the biggest thing we like the public to realize is that these events, regardless of who is organizing them, would not be possible without everyone involved. Especially the musicians, who selflessly donate their time and talents year after year.”

“And as you know the quantity of quality talent in this area is incredible,” he added enthusiastically.

FOR THE KIDS!

Anyone interested in participating in next year’s Guernsey Beat Rocks event (August 27-29, 2027), please contact: contact@guernseybeat.com.

For more information, visit:

-Four Diamonds: https://www.fourdiamonds.org/

-Guernsey Beat Records on Facebook, guernseybeat on Instagram, or guernseybeat.com/.

-Gettysburg Rocks on gburgrocks.com/ and Gettysburg Rocks on most social media platforms.

-To make additional donations: https://fourdiamonds.donordrive.com/campaigns/Guernsey-Beat-Rocks-2026

Slideshow photos by Donate Gardner, GBR team and courtesy of other community sources.

Donate Gardner

Donate Gardner

Donate Gardner is a freelance writer and journalist who came to Gettysburg five years ago. A former linguist-turned-legal professional, Donate now enjoys her retirement focused on writing, music, and exploring her new community in a variety of ways. While still serving on the board of various non-local organizations, she also supports several local pro bono services to immigrants in the Adams County area, including the Adams County migrant outreach program, Pasa La Voz. An immigrant born, raised, and educated in Western Europe, Donate uses her multi-lingual background to maintain connection to other cultures, both as a historical researcher and writer, as well as through select advocacy. Donate is also an active musician, multi-instrumentalist, and award-winning songwriter, enjoying the rich music and arts community in Gettysburg, and supporting upcoming and traveling musicians coming through the area. Donate can be reached at: dvbgardner@gmail.com.

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