The Kensingtons and three other bands will also perform at the Sportsmen’s Tavern music complex; proceeds from the event to benefit The Against the Storm Foundation

BUFFALO, N.Y., July 20, 2026 – Matt Schofield, a British-born and now U.S.-based blues guitarist and inductee into the British Blues Hall of Fame, will headline the 9th Annual “Rock for the Cure” music festival at the Sportsmen’s Park and Tavern entertainment complex on Saturday, August 15. The fundraising event is being presented by the Against the Storm Foundation with proceeds to help the non-profit organization to further its mission.

Tom Lillis, president of the Against the Storm Foundation’s Board of Directors, said this year’s event has been expanded to include multiple performances, highlighted by an appearance by Schofield, a multi-award-winning guitar virtuoso, singer and songwriter.

“We are extremely fortunate and absolutely thrilled to have Matt joining us for this year’s event,” said Lillis. “He ranks as one of the top 10 British blues guitarists of all time alongside the likes of Eric Clapton and Peter Green, founder and original leader of Fleetwood Mac. Mark’s impact as one of the most influential and distinctive guitarists of his generation is unquestionable.”

The Kensingtons, a past Sportsmen’s Americana Music Foundation Band of the Year featuring a classic rock repertoire that spans more than 50 years, will also perform along with Kurts Back, Flashback, and the Trash Pandas.

The Kensingtons feature three members of the Against the Storm Foundation’s board of directors – Lillis (Tonawanda), Joe Nicastro (Amherst), and Jack Freedenberg (Snyder).

Rock for the Cure began as a fundraising idea created by Lillis and Nicastro, who both served on the Board of Trustees of the Western and Central Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), now known as Blood Cancer United.

In 2017 Lillis, Nicastro, and other local musicians recorded and released their first song, “Against the Storm,” with support from Ron Hawkins, a Canadian indie music icon best known to local music fans as founding member of the Lowest of the Low. Funds raised from the song benefited LLS and helped inspire establishment of the Against the Storm Foundation.

In 2023, a second song, “Walking on Hurricanes,” featuring Erin Hoyle on vocals, was released. The song lyrics were written by Matt Connors, a member of the Against the Storm Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Proceeds from the event will help the Against the Storm Foundation further its mission. It has previously raised more than $130,000 to benefit Blood Cancer United and Mental Health Advocates of Western New York.

A number of items will be auctioned at this year’s event, and a commemorative poster and t-shirt, both designed by Bill Zulewski, who also created the foundation’s logo, will be available for sale.

In addition to the Kensingtons, past performers at the Rock for the Cure include Ron Hawkins, the Strictly Hip, Letter to Elise, Mom Said No, Jelly Jar, K-Ride, and Grace Stumberg.

Sponsors for the 2026 event include Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall; 716 Garage Doors; and Bank of America.

Tickets are $25 online and $30 at the door and can be purchased on The Sportsmen’s website or on the Against the Storm Foundation’s website. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. and the music begins at 4:00 p.m.

Against the Storm Foundation, Inc.

Against the Storm Foundation, Inc., is a New York State-authorized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Established in 2019, its mission is to help fight blood cancers and support other causes that will improve the health and quality of life for people in need. For additional information please visit: www.againstthestorm.org.