Pomona, CA - Ever-heroic rockers The Aquabats continue their fun-filled saga to battle underwater evil and keep sold out audiences dancing and singing along to their catchy indie pop tunes. Perhaps you've even caught wind of the latest Aquabats franchise-Yo! Gabba Gabba­-a show on Nickelodeon which averages 683,000 2-to 5-year-old viewers per week, according to Billboard Magazine, and the No. 1 program among that age group. Rocking since 1994, The Aquabats continue to grow their audience and fight the good fight.

Saturday, February 2, The Aquabats will take the stage at the Glass House in Pomona, CA, this time to benefit their friend, Tony Carbone, and battle cancer. The money generated from this show will go to aid Carbone, a friend, teacher, and fellow musician, in an all out fight with cancer, his insurance company, and the financial and emotional woes associated with his condition. At this event there will be a raffle to win various prizes including guitar lessons from James Valentine (guitarist for Maroon 5), The Aquabats Nike warm-up jacket, and clothing from reality show Project Runway Season 4.  

There will be several other events in Southern California and an eBay auction for those outside of California.  The support comes from friends, family, fellow Southern California teachers and a long list of musicians, record companies, and clothing brands: Paul Frank, Element, RVCA, Maroon 5, Plain White T's, Sugarcult, 311, Rancid, All Time Low, Fearless Records, Nitro Records, Hopeless Records, and Vagrant Records. Each of these companies have made donations or otherwise contributed to the benefit.

Feb 2nd - The Aquabats @ The Glass House - Pomona, CA   Raffle and special guests Supernova! and Fluf.

Feb 3rd - eBay auction begins.  Includes signed items that people around the world are free to bid on.  Strat Squire Fender guitar signed by Maroon 5, Autographed CDs and posters from Plain White T's, 311, Sugarcult, All Time Low, and an autographed cymbal from Mayday Parade. More info at http://www.myspace.com/topdogmax.

Feb 23rd - DiPiazzas Restarant in Long Beach, CA - Silent Auction and raffle prizes.
More info at http://www.myspace.com/topdogmax.

Tony Carbone is a 34-year old elementary teacher for the Long Beach Unified School District. Two years ago, Tony was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma (the most aggressive and life threatening form of skin cancer), which spread to his brain. Tony is an amazing fighter. He was first diagnosed with melanoma in December of 2005. Since that time his disease has spread to his brain four different times. He has endured six different brain surgeries, whole brain radiation, and chemotherapy. We almost lost him on Christmas night last year, but he pulled through. As a result of recurrent brain tumors, Tony has been left with paralysis in his left leg and loss of vision on his right side. There has been tremendous financial strain on Tony and his wife as a result of his illness. His response to treatment has been successful thus far and his doctors have recommended the drug Avastin to supplement his intensive treatment. Research indicates Avastin successfully in treats melanoma. However, his insurance company, Blue Shield, has denied coverage for the drug, calling it "experimental." Tony and Sinnamon have appealed this by sending literature about the use of Avastin with melanoma patients and receipts from five other major insurance companies that have covered Avastin for melanoma patients. The Long Beach Unified School District reviewed the information and concluded that while there is sufficient evidence that this medication can be considered effective for the treatment of melanoma, they do not approve it for this particular case. Now, Tony and his wife have nowhere to turn. Tony's Avastin cycle, recommended by his doctor, will cost $30K. Tony's family and friends are organizing multiple fundraisers to help pay for the cost. If you or someone you know want to make a money donation, send to: Harva Carbone 9751 La Zapatilla Cir. Fountain Valley Ca, 92708 (714) 514-4980.

For more information on Tony Carbone read a recent front page story from the Long Beach Press Telegram January 15, 2008 here.

Cancer shadows L.B. teacher's future - By Kevin Butler, Staff writer http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_7982593?source=email

Sean Ziebarth
Nitro Records
714.842.8897
sean@nitrorecords.com