News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Jackyl vocalist Jesse James Dupree cuts a stool with a chainsaw while the band performs the song “The Lumberjack” during a rock concert at the APlex on Friday. The show raised about $26,000 for local charities in Alpena.

ALPENA — The rock band Jackyl and organizers of Jackyl’s concert at the APlex on Friday raised more than $26,000 for local charities.

Proceeds from ticket sales and a raffle for an autographed guitar raked in the funds that more than a dozen local organizations will use to help people in need.

Organizer Don Monti said the sold-out show was pulled off without a hitch and everyone had a good time. He said he’s most proud that everyone stepped up to make sure that local people who are struggling, especially children, will receive a boost because of the rock concert.

Brian Carson, lead vocalist for the opening act Raggedy Ann, said that, when Monti asked his band to play and explained the charitable side of the concert, he committed right away. He also left the door open for a return to Alpena to help in the future.

“If we are asked, we’ll be there 1,000%,” he said. “This was a great event and everything was top-notch. I’m so happy for the community and everything about this show was a success.”

The Alpena Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2496 hosted the event and dozens of sponsors pulled together to make the concert a reality.

A portion of the revenue from the concert will be distributed to area charities, such as the Alpena Veterans Relief Fund, Toys for Kids, Foster Closet, United Way, the Friendship Room, and others.

Monti said 51 businesses sponsored Friday’s event. He anticipates that, when planning begins for another show, more will support that show after seeing the success of Friday’s show.

Monti said he would like to book other classic rock bands in Alpena. He said the behavior of the crowd and the professionalism of the sound crew, staff, and security helped ensure more concerts will happen.

“I think everyone knew that, if someone messed up and did something regrettable, we may not be able to do something like this again,” he said. “But everything went well, and I’m fully behind this moving forward.”

The show’s security team was made up of veterans from Alpena and as far away as Traverse City and St. Ignace. Monti some of them worked security at the former Castle Farms concert venue and, when he reached out to them for help, they didn’t bat an eye.

“They all donated their time and came from near and far to make sure everyone had a good time and be safe,” he said.