LUDLOW, Vt. – Although Lipbone Redding and the LipBone Orchestra were originally scheduled to perform the final concert of the Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series this season, Okemo Mountain Resort has opted to turn the event into a benefit concert for families affected by Hurricane Irene.

Four local bands will take the outdoor stage at Okemo’s Jackson Gore Inn courtyard for a benefit concert that will run from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept, 2. The Joey Leone Band will play from 3-4:30 p.m., The Kind Buds take the stage from 4:30 to 6 p.m., followed by Gypsy Reel, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and Chris Kleeman goes on at 7:30 p.m.

“We thought it would be a good idea to enlist the support of local musicians to give local residents a reprieve from all the work of recovery,” said Okemo Events Manager Liam Fracht-Monroe. “We’ve also heard from a lot of people who want to make a donation to help Okemo Valley people in need. This event should serve both of those purposes.”

Admission to the concert is free, but donations to Black River Good Neighbors Services will be accepted. Also, profits from the barbecue will be donated to BRGNS. Donations may be made directly by visiting http://brgn.org/default.htm .

As a human services program, BRGNS serves families and individuals living in Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Plymouth, Belmont, and Mt. Holly, Vermont. They provide free, confidential help to financially distressed individuals and families to facilitate their navigation of the often intricate pathways to locate assistance. Their focus is primarily on distributing free food and providing rent, fuel and other aid for those who meet the organization’s guidelines.

On Friday nights throughout the summer season, the lawn in the courtyard at Okemo’s Jackson Gore Inn is transformed into an outdoor concert venue featuring popular local and regional entertainers. Admission to the Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series is free. Families are welcome and all attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. In case of rain, the concerts move indoors. Dining options include traditional fresh-from-the-grill fare, or full-service dining with an al fresco seating option at Jackson Gore’s Coleman Brook Tavern.

Okemo’s ever-evolving Adventure Zone is open to concert-goers with mountain coaster rides, trampoline bungee jumping, miniature golf and disc golf.

For more information about Okemo Mountain Resort, please visit www.okemo.com or call 802-228-1600. For dinner reservations at Coleman Brook Tavern, call 802-228-1435.