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New Jersey’s Newton Crosby was slated to play AURA Music & Arts Festival in 2012 until something terrible happened.
“We were supposed to be on the last AURA and then unfortunately I was diagnosed with cancer and playing was just out of the question,” said guitarist Chris Cartelli.
Cartelli began seeking treatment immediately before coming across a treatment specialist in New York City.
“I enrolled in a clinical trial that was being offered by a specialist at Sloan-Kettering in NYC. I was actually only the 39th person to take part in it. In the end I went through 120 hours of chemotherapy, two surgeries and came out on top,” said Cartelli.
With his “second lease on life,” Cartelli started a charity to help conquer the disease that plagued him.
“I started a foundation based around my life and experiences called Rocking Out Cancer which aims to raise money for clinical trials and studies, like the one that saved my life, through live music events,” said Cartelli.
As you could imagine, Newton Crosby is back and ready to rock this year’s AURA with a vengeance.
“This is our first time playing in Florida so we are really excited to show everyone exactly what we can do. It’s tough out there when you’re a small band so this is an opportunity we are very grateful for and really looking forward to embracing,” said Cartelli.
Music lovers can expect to hear the band’s energetic sound, which is influenced largely by the Disco Biscuits and Perpetual Groove, bright and early at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday.
“We pride ourselves on bringing a high energy performance to every show and AURA is going to be no different. We may have some surprises in store, perhaps a special guest or two and maybe even a song debut,” said Cartelli.
You can read more about Rocking Out Cancer and make donations through the website at RockingOutCancer.org.
Be sure to check out Newton Crosby and other new acts at AURA Music & Arts Festival taking place at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park on February 15, 16 and 17.
