Several City of Springfield employees who are also musicians will participate in the "Rock! To Defeat ALS" fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at Lindberg's, 318 W. Commercial St.

The event will raise money for the joint City-Ozark Greenways team for the "Walk to Defeat ALS" event the following weekend.

"Rock! To Defeat ALS" begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

The event features five bands and there will be no cover charge, with donations encouraged. Pizza House will have food available. The event will be non-smoking, but limited to people 21 and older.

The joint City-Greenways "Walk to Defeat ALS" team was formed in honor of former Planning Director Fred May, former Police Officer Casey Cornelius, and former Parks Director Jim Ewing, all who died of ALS.

City employees who will be performing include: Mike MacPherson, Planning; Rick Miller, Public Works; Vern Morgan, Planning; Mark Smith, Public Works; and Carl Yendes, Law.

The schedule of bands is:

* Revolver: 5:30-7 p.m.

* Blue Plate Special: 7:30 to 9 p.m.

* Nathaniel Carroll and the Party Line: 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.

* Eddie Gumucio & the Electrics: 10:30 to 11:30 p.m.

* ShineBriter: 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The "Walk to Defeat ALS" event begins at 9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, at Jordan Valley Park. The walk itself begins at 10:30 a.m. It is two miles long and non-competitive. Dogs are welcome. There will be complimentary food and bounce houses for kids.

This event supports the Keith Worthington ALS Association, the local organization that is on the front line in this battle by providing services to victims and their families who are dealing with the dreaded disease while supporting scientists in search of a cure.