Find Our Most Recent Videos And Articles

Jeff Nicely, president of the Lloyd Memorial High School Alumni Association, had been collaborating with Gee and his wife, Sondra, on the project since December. Nicely said it was Sondra who initially approached the alumni association with the idea for a benefit concert at the school.

“They came to us,” Nicely said. “We thought it was a wonderful idea. A great way to make money for the school and support local music.”

Nicely said the proceeds would be split between the alumni association and the Carmel Music Academy, a community-driven organization based in Indiana that promotes music learning with regular lessons taught by Gee.

“Our goal is to save music programs across America,” Sondra said. “Music is a universal language. We want to give kids the opportunity to create again, to make something themselves.”

Jon E. Gee has been trying to spread the joy and importance of music to kids and adults his whole life, he said.

“Personally, I would like to go across the entire United States,” Jon E. Gee said. “I’d like to go to schools, find out what’s wrong with the music program and figure out ways to fix it.”

Gee said his music is influential because he has led a drug- and alcohol-free career and encourages students everywhere to do the same.

“People think of rock stars and they think sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll,” Gee said. “I just want to show people that it doesn't have to be that way.”

The Friday benefit concert also included appearances by two of Gee’s protégés, Aaron Creek and Tony Pebworth, as well as a performance by the school’s own student band, North of Nowhere.

Superintendent of Erlanger/Elsmere Schools, Dr. Kathy Burkhardt, said she was proud of the student band and was happy they could perform for Gee.

“They get to perform with real professionals,” Burkhardt said. “We’re really excited for them. This is more than just a fund-raising opportunity, this is a student experience.”

North of Nowhere members include vocalist Amber Gamon who celebrated her 15th birthday on the night of the concert, guitarist Jake Harmon, bassist Harold Sexton, and drummer Andrew Bensman.

“We caught a good break,” Andrew said. “I mean, Jon E. Gee. Wow.”

The band said they had a very short time to prepare, but they were excited for the opportunity.

Besides the music, the alumni association also invited a number of local vendors to set up booths at the concert. A silent auction was also conducted. Items for sale included signed a John Mellencamp guitar, George Jones guitar, and a signed Ted Nugent guitar.

Nicely said the alumni association will use its portion of the funds as scholarship money for music students within the high school, or for graduates hoping to pursue music degrees.

At the time of writing, an accurate estimate of proceeds collected at the concert could not be given because credit cards and checks are still being tallied, according to Diana Nicely, Jeff’s sister and secretary of the alumni association.

Jon E. Gee makes an effort to seek out schools in need and especially enjoys playing in the Northern Kentucky area, according to wife Sondra.