This spring marks the return of the Tri Sigma Sorority’s philanthropic event Rockin’ For Robbie: Battle of the Bands.

The second-annual installment of this charity concert has been keeping the Sigma sisterhood busily preparing for the new set boasting four Gustavus-grown bands.

The concert will be in Alumni Hall on Friday, March 16, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sigmas will also be tabling outside the Evelyn Young Dining Room next week.

Departing from last year’s venue of local bands, this year’s venue will consist of Gustavus bands and ensembles.

Returning to the set this spring is Peter and the Magic Tone, starring Seniors Peter Larsen and Kory Freeberg. Peter and the Magic Tone will be joined by the a capella group, G Sharp, the Hiccups and Bonnevista, an alternative punk-rock band fronted by Junior Rotta Yong.

“We want a better connection with campus this year,” Senior Sigma and Rockin’ For Robbie committee member Betsy Scherer said.

Last year, bands hailed from the cities and St. Olaf, and played their own music. This year, the set will be completely comprised of Gustavus students playing cover music.

“We decided to do Rockin’ for Robbie because it combines two of our most favorite things—making the world a better place and rockin’ live music,” Bonnevista’s Yong said.

Rockin’ For Robbie is a relatively new philanthropic event for the Sigmas. In keeping with their campus-oriented goal, the Sigmas began Rockin’ For Robbie last spring.

“We used to do silent auctions, but that was more targeted toward parents,” Senior Sigma Sara Cammack said. “We wanted to involve more students in the process.”

A committee of six Sigmas was selected at the beginning of the year to plan the concert. Since January, the committee has been recruiting bands and finding sponsors.

This year, Patrick’s will be donating a prize, as will Two Fish Studios of Mankato. Following the performances, audience members and a judging panel will determine the winning bands.

The judging panel this year will be comprised of English professor Sean Cobb, a Two Fish Studios representative and Senior Sigma Marissa Shepherd.

The first-place band will be awarded a gift certificate for five hours of recording time in Two Fish Studios. Second place will receive a certificate for two hours. There will also be Patrick’s gift cards for the winners.

“We’re really looking forward to the lively audience and performers,” Yong said. “It will be a different kind of venue than we’re used to.”

Larsen looks forward to performing as well. “It’s a great crowd and fun atmosphere to play in. It’s also nice to have an audience that knows the words to the songs, in case we forget them,” Larsen said.

Proceeds for Rockin’ For Robbie go to Minnesota Children’s Hospital and the Tri-Sigma Foundation, which benefits play therapy programs for rehabilitating children in hospitals.

“The Tri-Sigma Foundation is a cool charity because it’s directly related to our national president,” Sophomore Sigma Laura Schroeder said.

“Go to it,” Cammack said. “It’s fun and for a great cause.”

Tickets for Rockin’ For Robbie are 5 dollars and will be available through any Sigma member.