According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. (except for skin cancers), accounting for one-third of all new female cancers each year. In 2024, the ACS estimates that about 42,250 women will die from breast cancer.
To support the ACS’s efforts to save more lives from breast cancer, prominent community member Neil McCurry is putting together a major fundraising event in December: KISS Cancer Goodbye III is a three-day KISS-themed music festival and fan fest that will feature numerous world-class rock musicians, including former KISS guitarist (1984-1996) Bruce Kulick, who will appear and play all three days.
The event takes place December 6-8, 2024 on the Harvest House campus (3650 17th St., Sarasota). Times and programming vary each day; visit kisscg.com for detailed information.
Some of the musical highlights will include: the performance of select songs from KISS albums “Dynasty” and “Unmasked,” featuring legendary drummer Anton Fig; The Handsome Devils performing the “Creatures of the Night” album in its entirety; a salute to the four original KISS members’ solo albums, performed by various guest artists; the performance of the “Hotter Than Hell” album on its 50th anniversary; Chris Jericho’s band Kuarantine, featuring special guest Kulick; the performance of the “KISS Alive II” album by the all-star band and special guests; the music of Frehley’s Comet, presented by legendary guitarist/keyboard player – and former Frehley’s Comet member – Tod Howarth; and much, much more.
There will also be a Fan Expo, open all three days, that will include some of the biggest names in KISS memorabilia – including KISS Army Warehouse, KISS Replicas, KISS Army Spain and more – as well as opportunities to meet and get autographs from and pictures with many of the visiting musical artists, including Kulick.
The weekend will be interlaced with charitable raffles and other philanthropic activities. In order to maximize fundraising, the event will include both in-person viewing and livestreaming during portions of the event.
McCurry is hoping to have more of an impact this year than just raising money, though.
“This year, we are also challenging ourselves to find ways to not only continue to raise funds in the fight against cancer but also to provide more education about cancer risks and create a stronger message about the importance of getting checked for early signs of cancer,” he says.
When McCurry – former President & CEO of Sabal Palm Bank (now Seacoast Bank) and current Market Executive for Seacoast – was asked to be a part of the American Cancer Society (ACS) fundraiser “Men Wear Pink” a few years ago, he noticed that the most successful participants seemed to be the ones who created events that matched their interests. That observation led McCurry to an obvious plan of action: to parlay his passion for rock ‘n’ roll – particularly for the legendary rock band KISS – into a means of raising money for the ACS.
While it may seem like a non-traditional hobby for a bank executive, McCurry – who goes by Neil Davis for his musical pursuits – plays bass in KISS tribute band, KISS America. As “Gene Simmons,” McCurry goes all out: full costume and makeup, spitting (not real) blood, and working the stage in Simmons-style platform boots. He has organized numerous music events and gotten to know many rock stars over the years, including the original and replacement members of KISS.
Coordinated under the organizational moniker “Creatures Fest,” McCurry’s KISS Cancer Goodbye I and II events raised over $100,000 to support the American Cancer Society in its battle to cure breast cancer. In 2023, McCurry was the top local Men Wear Pink fundraiser – and the seventh highest fundraiser in the U.S. – bringing in over $63,000 for the cause.
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