It's the Final Countdown: Doc Rock is Thursday Night at Soul Kitchen

Doc Rock, a “battle of the bands” style event hosted by USA Health, will be held this Thursday, March 21 at Soul Kitchen in Downtown Mobile. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at docrock.us. Overall proceeds benefit research and critical clinical needs at USA Health University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, the Mitchell Cancer Institute, Providence Hospital and the Physician Enterprise.

At least one member of each band has an affiliation with USA Health. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite band, and prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories. Early voting has started online at docrock.us. Of the many bands who submitted applications, five bands were selected to battle it out.

MEET THE BANDS

By the Way
By the Way is a new band to Mobile, but it is formed from members with extensive experience in the Mobile music scene. These members may be familiar to you. They have played in the likes of Redhouse, Peek, the Wes Loper Band, and AM Radio. The band is raising money for USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, where one of the members is a radiation oncologist. The Mitchell Cancer Institute’s mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative solutions to improve cancer outcomes for patients across the Gulf Coast. MCI is the largest academic fellowship-trained medical oncology practice in the region and has provided exceptional care, close to home for its patients since 2002.

Mobile Second Line Society Brass Band
Mobile Second Line Society is Mobile's own brass band, playing hard-driving funk and rock since 2014. Inspired by the sounds of Mardi Gras, Mobile Second Line Society is an integral part of Mobile's culture. One band member is a USA Health physician, professor and chair of the Department of Neurology, and a second band member is a USA Health resident. The band is raising funds for The H. Pete Jones Neuroscience Research Endowment, which provides research funding at USA Health to find cures for disorders of the brain, such as multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disorders, stroke, epilepsy, and Parkinson's Disease.

Sloth Racer
Sloth Racer was formed in 2017 and features a revolving cast of like-minded musicians with a love for live performance. Expect to hear an eclectic mix of your favorite hits, 90s to now. Sloth Racer family members have experienced first-hand the amazing work of USA Health. The band is raising funds for USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital, where more babies are delivered annually than any other hospital in Mobile. Children’s & Women’s Hospital provides the area’s only NICU and PICU, pediatric oncology services, and high-risk obstetrical unit in our region. It recently opened an expanded state-of-the-art Pediatric Emergency Center earlier this month, providing the very best in emergency care to more than 40,000 children each year.

The Shotcallers
The Shotcallers started playing in 2021 and never stopped. They play a mix of music ranging from hits from the 60s and 70s to newer songs. The Shotcallers love to jam, play blues and entertain a crowd. Favorite bands are SRV, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Wet Willie and Blackstreet. The Shotcallers include a respiratory therapist at USA Allergy and Asthma and a surgery nurse at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital. They are raising funds for the Cardiopulmonary Department at Children’s & Women’s Hospital, which treats a wide range of heart and lung issues for its patients.

Society Hill
Society Hill consists of members who have been singing and playing instruments for decades. The band is coming together for Doc Rock to raise awareness about and funds for USA Health’s Project Inspire. They typically sing and play gospel music. However, for this performance, they will perform a medley of classic songs throughout the years. Of Society Hill’s members, two are USA Health physicians, one is a nurse administrator, and one is in IT. Project Inspire is USA Health’s multi-week, hospital-based injury prevention program that combines trauma center exposure, mentorship and career development. Through an ongoing partnership with the Strickland Youth Center, local juvenile offenders gain insight into the consequences of gun violence. Whether it is a tour of the Fanny Meisler Trauma Center, learning life-saving skills through training in basic life support and Stop the Bleed, or shadowing staff, these youth have an opportunity to become the best version of themselves through this program.