'Redneck rock 'n' roller' in Yuma Oct. 13

A singer who calls himself a genuine “redneck rock ‘n' roller” is coming to town in his favorite boots to give a good kick to cancer.

He's country star Chris Cagle and his upcoming concert marks one of Yuma's biggest efforts to raise money for people facing cancer.

“Our goal is to be a big show in a small town,” said Robby Rodriguez, an event organizer. “This is going to be a great event. Plus, all the money raised goes back to the community and it's going to a great cause.”

Chris Cagle hits the local stage Saturday, Oct. 13 when the local charitable organization Bridget's Gift hosts its second annual benefit western dance and barbecue.

Last year's event drew around 3,000 people and raised just under $50,000.

Bridget's Gift uses the money it raises to provide free breast exams, to fund local resource programs and to financially support cancer patients and their families. The nonprofit honors the memory of Bridget Orta.

“We always try to do something with the money that our community would be proud of,” Rodriguez said. “We want to be the ones people turn to when they are going through the fight with cancer. That's what Bridget wanted.”

The Oct. 13 benefit event will not only feature a concert by Chris Cagle but will also treat attendees to a barbecue dinner.

The all-ages event will take place on the lawn outside Cocopah Casino.

Cagle made his debut on the Billboard charts in 2000 with the single “My Love Goes On and On” from his debut album “Play It Loud.” That debut album also featured the Top 10 hit “Laredo” and “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out,” Cagle's only No. 1 hit.

Since then, Cagle has made the charts with his songs “What a Beautiful Day,” “Chicks Dig It” and “What Kinda Gone.” His latest album, “Back in the Saddle,” came out in June.

Cagle will be joined on stage by special guest star James Wesley. The Yuma band Leavin Rustin won the honor of performing as the opening band by taking top honors during a recent battle of the bands.

“Tickets are really selling well. We're going to have a great turnout,” Rodriguez said. “Our goal with Bridget's Gift is to bring an up-and-coming artist to town or a musician that's on the charts right now. People on Facebook are really excited that Chris Cagle is coming, because here's an artist with a new album whose music is being played on the radio and making the Billboard charts. It's really exciting that we have him coming to town to perform.”

Gates will open at 5 p.m., and the barbecue dinner starts at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $40 for general admission, and free for ages 2 and younger. Tickets are available at Cocopah Casino and the Boot Barn. For information, call Bridget's Gift at 304-5939.

“Anyone with a breast cancer license plate in Yuma County needs to buy a ticket,” Rodriguez said. “Everyone knows someone who has breast cancer.”