By Lysandra Marquez
Feb. 5, 2020

Hard rock, heavy metal and punk are only a few of the different genres which will be represented at KZUM’s upcoming metal benefit, “Have a Heart,” hosted at Gray’s Keg Saloon in Lincoln.

The line-up features 18 bands from all over Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa. Five bands will perform Friday, from 6 to 11 p.m., and the remaining bands will perform Saturday from 2 to 11 p.m. 

“It’s really a wide variety and it helps showcase the different talent we have here in Nebraska,” said Jon Kruse, host of KZUM’s Metal Manifesto.

Kruse organized the event as a way to help raise money for the station and feature local talent, including KURSE, the name of the cover band Kruse performs with.

“We’re gonna play Friday night at 7 p.m. and do cover songs of ‘80s classics, including a song everybody’s probably heard and probably sick of, but we made it doom metal. It’ll be similar to Black Sabbath, and we slowed the song way down,” Kruse said. As far as the name of the song,  “It’s a surprise,” he said.

Concert-goers can buy a one-day ticket at the door for $10, or pay $15 to attend both days, cash only.

Kruse said he also had t-shirts made for the event and there may be a few in select sizes available leading up to the event. The cost of the t-shirt is $15 and also covers entrance to both days of the benefit and can be purchased at Gray’s Keg.

At the end of the night on Friday, Kruse will head back to KZUM to host his weekly show from midnight until 2 a.m. along with some members of the bands playing during the benefit.

In 2019, Kruse helped raise over $2,000 for the station through benefits he helped put together with other organizers.

“Have a Heart” is the first benefit Kruse has organized by himself and he said he appreciates the opportunity to give back to the station and the community.

“It always feels good when it’s over and you see what you’ve raised,” Kruse said.

Lysandra Marquez is a multimedia intern with KZUM. The Metal Manifesto airs Friday Nights (Saturday, proper) Midnight until 3 a.m.