Music for a Cure: Artists Making an Impact
By Mattea Overstreet
On May 2 and 3, the sounds of live music and community spirit will fill Blaker Brewing in Ceres as Parkinstock returns for another powerful year. Parkinstock is an annual two-day music festival organized by the Parkinstock Team in partnership with Team Fox. This is an uplifting weekend featuring a stellar lineup of local musicians and a mission-driven call to raise funds and awareness in the fight against Parkinson’s Disease.
Parkinstock was born from a spark of local compassion, teamwork, and advocacy. The journey began in 2006 when Sherri Todd, then 35, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Determined to make a difference, Sherri and her family started an annual walkathon in 2012 to support PD research. After years of dedicated fundraising, the pandemic made large gatherings impossible in 2020. Rather than giving up, the group adapted, and Music for a Cure emerged.
What started as a live-streamed front porch concert – featuring local musician Neil Buettner -quickly grew into something bigger. By 2022, the event had transformed into a full-scale live music festival at Blaker Brewing, drawing in nine local acts, food trucks, a cornhole tournament, a supreme raffle, and a special edition craft brew.
Since its inception, Parkinstock has raised over $136,000 for Parkinson’s research and has been recognized multiple times by The Michael J. Fox Foundation as an MVP fundraising campaign.
The Parkinstock vibe is created by a soulful lineup of local musicians who offer their art and performance to make an impact. Neil B’s musical contributions to the event during the COVID year were an inspiring display of the group’s willingness to pivot and expand their vision. The power of live music has amplified Team Fox’s mission, driving increased donations year after year. The 2025 festival in May will feature Neil Buettner, Jamie Byous, Scott Beck, Kenny Moore, Matt Davis, Makin’ Noise, Bloo, and more.
“To have a meaningful life, our actions should help the world. I am proud to be using my talents and time to bring the community together for this event for the third year. It warms my heart being around such a caring and dedicated group of people.” – Matt Davis.
“The exposure and confidence I’ve gained from playing, along with the love and support from everyone involved, is something I may never be able to pay back.” – Scott Beck.
Admission to Parkinstock 2025 is free! On May 2 and 3 at Blaker Brewing, attendees can enjoy local vendors and craft beer, enter to win unbelievable raffle prizes, and experience Music for a Cure.
