2nd Annual Yinz Citizen Live performance Fundraiser Set for September 16

Local nonprofit 412 Food Rescue will stream Yinz Citizen’s star-filled second annual virtual concert on September 16.

The event aims to raise money for food rescue and hunger relief.

The concert brings together 13 local bands, including Joe Grusbecky and the Houserockers, Derek Woods Band, Josh Jams, Bill Toms Band, PSO musicians, Brandon Lehman from the Swiss Army, Driving While Black Records, Leigh Solomon Pugliano, Evan Thorsen, Paging Doctor Moon, Back Alley Sound, Shelf Life String Band and a special performance by Rock Reggae and Relief.

In between appearances, there are appearances by celebrities like hip-hop megastar Wiz Khalifa, artist Baron Batch, Randy Baumann, Larry Richert, and others.

412 Food Rescue has made its claim as the only organization in the greater Pittsburgh area that focuses on food that would otherwise be thrown away. It has diverted more than 19 million pounds of food into western Pennsylvania, the equivalent of 16 million meals for those in need, the organization said.

This year, 412 Food Rescue is partnering with Moe’s Southwest Grill to bring “Dinner and a Show” to live viewers of the concert. Anyone interested in helping the organization with the purchase of a taco meal package can pre-order one on September 16 at 7:00 p.m., one hour before the start of the Yinz Citizen livestream, and pick it up at any Moe location.

Moe’s will donate 25% of all taco kit sales to 412 Food Rescue. All orders must be received here by 12pm on September 14th to count for the fundraiser.

Yinz Citizen raised $ 54,000 for 412 Food Rescue last year, according to organizers. It was viewed 8,600 times within a week and 4,300 viewed live.

Sara Swaney, Vice President of Advancement & Engagement at 412 Food Rescue, calls the event “the ultimate Pittsburgh mixtape,” and says the virtual nature of the event allows more people to participate safely.

“With the Delta variant on the rise, we wanted to make sure everyone can participate in a safe and comfortable way, regardless of how Covid affects our community,” she said.

The concert is free to watch, with the option to donate on YinzCitizen.com.

Paul Guggenheimer is a contributor to Tribune Review. You can contact Paul at 724-226-7706 or pguggenheimer@triblive.com.