Musicians and community coming together in Asbury Park to help Point Pleasant 3-year old – Asbury Park Press

Max Weinberg of the E Street Band plays air drums at a New Jersey Devils inside the Prudential Center in Newark on Feb. 1, 2020. AP Staff

Three-year old Carson Dratch of Point Pleasant has a battle in front of him, but with a communityand a group of steadfast musiciansbehind him, things are looking up.

Musician Matt Witte, his cousin, will lead a benefit for Carson on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Asbury Park Yacht Club on the boardwalk in Asbury Park.

Carson has Aplastic Anemia, a rare disease that affects bone marrow.

He's a normal little kid afflicted with a terrible disease, Witte said. So far, everything is going well, really good. Everything has been successful but we got a longway to go.

Carson's parents, Doug and Danielle Dratch, reported that Carson has completed his chemotherapy and received his donor's stem cells on Dec.19. The donor's cells have taken to Carsons little body and have been multiplying themselves since day (one), according to the family's Gofundme.com page.

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Three-year old Carson Dratch of Point Pleasant.(Photo: Courtesy of the Dratch family)

A second medical scare, a brain aneurysm, has been averted and he's home now. He's currently on five medications and is making two trips a week to the hospital. He also needs home nursing.

Funds are needed to help defray costs.

Their hospital bills are out of control, Witte said. They have insurance but it doesn't pay for everything.

Chances are you have come across one of Carson's relatives. Mom Danielle's maiden name is Carr, of the Point Pleasant Beach-based Carr's Driving School family. It's been operated by the Carrs since 1957.

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Matt Witte(Photo: Chris Jordan/STAFF PHOTO)

Witte, a former Atlantic Records recording artist, will take the stage with long-time collaborator John Swayne. Old Lady and Disposable are also on the bill. Attendees are asked to make a $10 donation.

Children are our future and we got to help out however we can, said Peter Mantas, entertainment director of the Asbury Park Yacht Club and the adjacent Langosta Lounge.

A fire in downtown Bound Brook on Jan.12 destroyed a pair of buildings under construction and nearly wiped out a block of homes. It looked like a war zone.

Now, out of the ashes has come resiliency.

A We Stand with Bound Brook benefit concert will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Brook Arts Center, not far from where the fire took place. Second Wind;Tuesday at Eight with special guest Bill Turner of Bill Haley and the Comets;Anthony Didio;and Rachael Wise and The Guys will play while members of the Serova School of Dance and the Elite Dance Center also will perform.

Proceeds will provide relief to those who have been impacted by the fire via the Fire Relief Fund and the Salvation Army.

We Stand with Bound Brook, 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, Brook Arts Center, 10 Hamilton St., Bound Brook. $10, free for kids 2 to 13 and first responders. brookarts.org.

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Are you ready for some rattle and roll?

The Michigan Rattlers, who are indeed from Michigan, are coming through the area with shows Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, and Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Mercury Lounge in New York.

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Actually, roots rock, or alt-country, might be a better description for the band, who have been touted in everything from Rolling Stone to the Bluegrass Station.

You can expect a good live, energetic, rocking set with meaningful songs and some smiling faces up on the stage having a great time, says the band about the Wonder Bar show. Maybe even a few new songs, too.

They're shaking things up. Brent Cowles is also on the bill.

Michigan Rattlers with Brent Cowles, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, Wonder Bar, Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. wonderbarasburypark.com.

What do you do when youre the real-life drummer on the million-selling hit single that comes on the Drum Cam during the New Jersey Devils game at the Prudential Center in Newark?

You air-drum, of course.

Max Weinberg air drums at the Feb. 1, 2020 New Jersey Devils vs. Dallas Stars hockey game at the Prudential Center in Newark.(Photo: Chris Jordan)

Thats what Mighty Max Weinberg did on Feb. 1 during the Devils game against the Dallas Stars when Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band came on the arenas Drum Cam as part of the Ticketmaster Wheel of Cams.

Weinberg air-drummed along, and was introduced to the crowd afterward to a big cheer.

Weinberg, a big Devils fan, was in town with his wife Becky Weinberg and daughterAli Roginto help the 2000 Devils celebrate the 20th anniversary of their Stanley Cup win. Max Weinbergs Jukebox played for the 2000 team at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City on Jan. 31.

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All the Weinbergs are big hockey fans. Son Jay Weinberg follows the Devils and wanted to be there on Saturday but had another obligation. Hes on tour with his band Slipknot in Europe at the moment.

By the way, the Devils 3-2 lost to the Stars in overtime on Saturday.

Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. His multiple awards include recognition for stories on both Bruce Springsteen and Jersey Shore. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com.

Who: Matt Witte with John Swayne, Old Lady and Disposable

When: 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8

Where: Asbury Park Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Asbury Park

Tickets: $10 donation requested

Info: apyachtclub.com

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Musicians and community coming together in Asbury Park to help Point Pleasant 3-year old - Asbury Park Press