14 Questions Answered on Rocktoberfest-2020

Rocktoberfest is our annual fundraising benefit to provide free, high quality prosthetic limbs, orthotic braces, and appropriately fitted wheelchairs to children in the developing world. The events - held in New York, Chicago, and London each year - where the music is played by leaders of the financial services industry, everyday people like you and me.

In the months leading up to Rocktoberfest the bands raise money for mobility solutions for our CoolKids, all while competing for the best time spot for the night of the event.

In a 'normal' year, we host Rocktoberfest at The Hard Rock Cafe in New York, City Winery in Chicago, and 8Northumberland in London.

2 - Why are the performers in the Financial Services Industry? 

ALTSO was co-founded in 2004 by C. Mead Welles - at the time a Hedge Fund Manager at Cargill. The very first Rocktoberfest event was born when Mead and a few of his colleagues and friends decided to use their collective love of "jamming together" to raise money for ALTSO's CoolKids.

Over the years, word spread through the industry and more professionals continued to step forward with their love for playing rock 'n roll music and Rocking For Good. Rocktoberfest has now grown from a couple hundred people in a bar in NYC to more than 3,000 guests across New York, Chicago, and London.

Mead Welles giving a speech at the first Rocktoberfest in 2004.

3 - Why is Rocktoberfest virtual this year?

Because of COVID-19 we cannot safely gather. But we knew we still must find a way to Rock For Good on behalf of our CoolKids. Thanks to the generosity and pro-bono support of  Dramatic Health & After Party  to produce the event, our loyal musicians who are up for anything, the dedication of our global sponsors, and the adaptability of our staff - we’ve been able to make the switch to virtual almost seamlessly.

4 - Will my favorite Rocktoberfest band be there?

Yes! We have 15 acts confirmed spanning across the United States and the UK including: Acoustic Karma, ALTSO All Stars Chicago, ALTSO All Stars London, ALTSO All Stars NYC, Chicago Trio Chuck, Matt, & Mike, Dimmerswitch, Matt Scharpf, New York Rock Exchange, The Overgrounds, Pete Muller & The Kindred Souls, Rolling Globes, Rooftop Trees, The Cause, Warriors From Mars, and The Wrong Boys. Meet the Bands.

If you spotted your favorite in the list, you can make a donation in their honor.

The Cause rocking out at our 10th Anniversary Rocktoberfest-NYC.

5 - How much do tickets cost?

The event this year is free and open to everyone! All you need to do to attend is register by providing your name and email. You can register here!

It was imperative that one theme of this year’s event be inclusivity. Anyone can rock for good, anyone can make a difference, and everyone deserves access to mobility.

We encourage you to look at other ways you can support our CoolKids including making a donation if you are able to. We even hear that there will be some virtual glow-sticks at the event!

6 - Wait so it’s really free?

Yes! No loop-holes. No if's and our butts. But don't forget to register!

7 - Where and how can I watch?

This year we’re bringing Rocktoberfest to you. That means you can watch Rocktoberfest wherever you want and however you want. You can watch it...

- On the Go - On any mobile device or tablet!

- At your (home office) - On any computer or laptop.

- Up on the 'big' screen - By connecting your laptop to your computer

No matter how you watch all you need to remember is to pull up www.altsorocks.org on October 22nd at 7pm ET.

8 - Will there only be music?

There will of course be hours of music for you to enjoy - but that’s not all! The event site - thanks to the help of producers After Party - will feature a photo-booth so you can snap photos (and gifs!) for sharing on social media, a live chat box so you can reminisce with other viewers, interactive trivia to test your knowledge on ALTSO, music, Rocktoberfest and more, e-commerce of cool merch that gives back, and more!

Do you know the best selling rock album of all time? (hint - this answer and more trivia hints will appear on ALTSO's Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn so don't forget to follow us!) 

9 - Who is going to be there?

Everyone! Your friends, family members, colleagues, industry friends, bosses, neighbors... you get the idea :)  

In all seriousness, the event is sponsored by over a dozen corporate companies including Intercontinental Exchange, Jones Lang LeSalle, Sandler Capital Management, Wilshire Phoenix, and more! Check them all out here. We are also happy to welcome back historic Rocktoberfest emcees Frank Carr and Dina Blair, who will be hosting the show.

10 - Can my kids watch it?

You bet! This is a family-friendly event and we are proud that this will be fun for all ages as well as a great time to talk to your kid about inclusivity, philanthropy, ALTSO, and our CoolKids!

11 - Will there be a silent auction?

Yes, as per our historic Rocktoberfest events, this year’s event will feature a silent auction that will go live one week before October 22nd. Keep an eye out on www.altso.org/rocktoberfest and our social media channels for more announcements. And don't forget - by registering for the event now, you will receive a few important emails including when the auction goes live and how to get your bid on.

Every September we have historically gathered at The Bitter End for an annual pre-jam session in anticipation of Rocktoberfest.

While we won’t have that this year - we will be kicking off October with a RockForALTSO Couch Session featuring 7 acts from the label Roomful of Sky. Save the date!

13 - Where is the money going? 100% of event proceeds will go towards providing free mobility solutions to our CoolKids around the globe. 

This year has been a tough one for just about everyone - especially for our programs, our CoolKids, and their families. 

This year we opened up a COVID-19 Fund to specifically raise funds to supply our programs with the PPE and sanitizing equipment needed to safely provide mobility solutions to our CoolKids.

14 - What if I can't make it on October 22nd?

The full event - as well as highlight reels of performances, speeches, etc. will be available on October 23rd at www.altsorocks.org.