Kingston musician Alex Young may be known locally as the guitarist for hard rocking power pop-punk band, Sweet Machete, but his friends and bandmates describe him, "…first and foremost a loving and caring dad to Alister, Kaylee, Alexis and husband to Amanda," in an interview with Kingston Live. "Alex is quite passionate about music. He works hard to hone his playing and songwriting, and is always thinking about different ways to present the music," Sweet Machete bandmates explained.

Known as an extroverted and devoted father, musician and DJ, life changed drastically for Alex following his diagnosis of mesothelioma, an aggressive an unpredictable form of cancer. Unable to work and struggling to breathe, Alex lost weight and energy, and adjusted to living with a drainage tube in his side. Worse was the financial impact. "Alex's sick leave benefits are only 70% of what his part-time income was," said the band. "His wife had to limit her work hours to care for him, so it's been a challenge for them to pay their basic bills during the last few months."

Rock n' roll to the rescue.

Alex's reputation as a warm, collaborative and outgoing human made the decision to help out an effortless one for his Sweet Machete bandmates, J.J., Bunny and Tito, who've organized a benefit concert for Alex on October 19. "There was an unsaid agreement that we were just going to do something like this," they recalled. Others jumped into help too, including local concert promoter and musician Dave Stokes of B4W Promotions. "Dave came on board soon after, graciously offering any and all help and wisdom from his years of fundraising. We're hoping to raise at least a couple of thousand dollars."

Funds raised will help fill the financial gap before Alexander hopefully starts work again. "Treatment is going well and with his oncologist’s approval will go back to work in the near future," the band said.

Appropriately titled Kicking Cancer's Ass, the event will take place at The Grad Club in Kingston (web link), and will feature live performances by local acts Reckless & Banded, LazerBear, Freaks N' Geeks, and Mad Wet Sea. "Expect a lot of love in the room," Alex's bandmates predict. Musical performances will cover the rock spectrum, "…from original alt-folk rock and 'Boss Moustache Rock,' to heavy rock and metal, and even 90s covers."

Of course, the concert wouldn't be complete without a performance by Sweet Machete. "Alex will be on stage, playing guitar and singing a shortened set," confirmed his bandmates. "Thanks to his immunotherapy, he has been getting better and has been able to keep up practicing."

Details and information on advance tickets is available here: web link

Donations are being accepted by e-transfer to [email protected] Posted: Oct 7, 2024