MammoJam grew out of an evening with friends. The idea of an annual breast cancer fundraiser developed in 2003 while Bill Romani rocked out to the music of the Grilled Lincolns at the 8×10 in Federal Hill.
“My mom is a breast cancer survivor. And it occurred to me during the show that a member of the band, the singer, was also touched by breast cancer,” Romani said. “His mom passed away from breast cancer when he was young.”
The seed was planted in Romani?s mind, and in April of 2004 they held their first event. “It started very small, at the 8×10 on a Sunday afternoon,” Romani said.
Now, the event regularly sells out the entire 8×10 and features several national acts.
“We?ve grown into a nonprofit organization that holds several events throughout the year,” Romani said. “We went from having about 100 people and raising about $2,000 to having more than 300 people and raising somewhere between $12,000 and $15,000.”
Brian Shupe, owner of the 8×10, said that his ultimate goal is to host a benefit the last Sunday of every month to give great events like MammoJam a home.
“We know owning the 8×10 is a bigger responsibility then just serving drinks. Bill Romani is one of the best organizers we have worked with as well as just being a great guy. That combination makes hosting MammoJam a no-brainer.”
This year?s lineup includes the Virginia Coalition, Erin McKeown, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy Medical Center.
MammoJam Music Festival 2008
WHERE: The 8×10, 10 E. Cross St., Baltimore
WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday
TICKETS: $40 to $80
