Over the last two decades, non-profit A Leg To Stand On (ALTSO) has successfully united financial communities nationwide for unforgettable evenings of live rock and roll music performed by their peers; the proceeds providing much-needed mobility aids to children known as 'CoolKids' who are living with disabilities in developing countries.
ALTSO's co-founder, C. Mead Welles, paved the way for this remarkable fusion twenty years ago after keenly recognizing the inherent connection between finance and music. What initially began as a "Hedge Fun Happy Hour" has now transformed into the highly anticipated Rocktoberfest events held annually in Chicago and NYC, showcasing the undeniable power of music and the remarkable generosity of the financial services industry.
Amplifying the music and the cause are ALTSO’s Rocktoberfest Sponsors, who invest in the upward mobility of children living with disabilities to help create a future where every child has the mobility tools needed to walk and roll.
Matt Smith, CEO of SteelEye, the Exclusive Photo Booth Sponsor of Rocktoberfest-NYC said, “SteelEye has been a proud supporter of ALTSO since 2018 and we are honored to be sponsoring this year's photo booth as we celebrate 20 years of ALTSO helping CoolKids walk and roll. Congratulations ALTSO on this incredible achievement - we can’t wait to see the amazing work you will continue to do over the next 20 years!”
Alongside SteelEye, the tremendous lineup of NY and Chicago Rocktoberfest sponsors include: Element Capital, the Exclusive Guest Experience Sponsor of Rocktoberfest-NYC; Ray Bloch Productions, the Exclusive Production Sponsor of Rocktoberfest-NYC; ICE, the Exclusive Impact Sponsor of Rocktoberfest-NYC; ADM Investor Services, the Exclusive Guest Experience Sponsor of Rocktoberfest-Chicago; OCC, the Exclusive GLOW Sponsor of Rocktoberfest-Chicago; Shure and Open Bet, the Exclusive Impact Sponsors of Rocktoberfest-Chicago; CME Group, Clear Street, Jacobs Asset Management, NYSE, Baird, Berenberg Capital, Citi, GlobeTax, Janney Montgomery Scott, Jefferies, Liquidnet, Nomura, Piper Sandler & Co, Quanteam, Stifel, Susquehanna Financial Group, TD Cowen, ABN AMRO Clearing, ARB Trading Group, Barchart, Cboe, KRM22, Prime Trading, Wedbush, and more!
Thirteen bands across two stages will play at each of this year's Rocktoberfest events. From long-time advocates to passionate newcomers, these talented musicians will come together this October to ‘Rock For Good’. Not only do the musicians generously donate their time and talent to support ALTSO's CoolKids, they inspire their community to take action alongside them.
ALTSO’s 20th Annual Rocktoberfest-NYC - October 19th at The Hard Rock Cafe
Featuring: Achieves Most, ALTSO All Stars New York, Billswitch Engage, The Cause, New York Rock Exchange, and Private Key.
With acoustic performances by: Acoustic Karma, Chris Caruso, Dimmerswitch, Phil Robinson, Sean Driscoll, and To The Bridge
And an anniversary tribute by: JAM Partners with special guests.
Support ALTSO’s New York rock stars by:
Greg Dabal, a member of The Cause, expressed his excitement, stating, "The Cause has been playing in support of ALTSO since the inaugural Rocktoberfest in 2004. We are immensely honored to have supported ALTSO over the last twenty years and eagerly await this year's upcoming celebration."
ALTSO’s 12th Annual Rocktoberfest-Chicago - October 5th at City Winery
Featuring: ALTSO All Stars Chicago, August Son, Blue Sky Highway, Matthew Scharpf’s Strangers and Saints, Oddsmakers + Ginger, and The Operators.
With acoustic performances by: ALTSO All Stars London, BandChain, Blankety, Hive of Scum and Villainy, Monet Rue, Rock Island Line, and Who’s Your Sugar Daddy.
Support ALTSO’s Chicago rock stars by:
ALTSO Board Member, Ray McKenzie, helped bring Rocktoberfest to the vibrant city of Chicago over a decade ago. With his invaluable guidance and leadership, the event has become a cherished annual gathering. Mr. McKenzie said, "The Chicago community has embraced ALTSO with open hearts since the inaugural Rocktoberfest-Chicago in 2012. Chicago’s ongoing support for ALTSO's CoolKids continues to inspire me. We look forward to celebrating ALTSO's 20th Anniversary in October."
ALTSO’s Pre-Jam Session - September 20th at The Bitter End
Every year, to prepare for the upcoming Rocktoberfest, ALTSO hosts a pre-jam session at NYC’s iconic Bitter End. Join them for a relaxed night of rock & roll music, exclusively featuring Rocktoberfest bands. $30 at door cash donation benefits their CoolKids.