Rock out and dress up during ‘Freddie for a Day’ AIDS benefit

Most people have heard of being a queen for a day, but few have heard of being Freddie Mercury. Saturday’s “Freddie for a Day” AIDS Benefit at the Library Ballroom will give them the chance to do just that.

The Mercury Phoenix Trust was established in the late Queen frontman’s honor to bring awareness and funding to HIV/AIDS research, according to Kaylee Pruitt, the Library Ballroom’s events and properties manager.

“FFAD is widely celebrated all over the world and they encourage everyone to participate by dressing up (as Freddie) and remembering Freddie for a great cause,” Pruitt said in an email. FFAD was launched in 2010 and is held every Sept. 5, Freddie’s birthday. Also, who doesn’t love a good Queen cover concert?”

The Macon event will feature bands Campbell Airlines, Legenderry Big Hairy Monster and Great White Lion Snake, each covering a few Queen songs as well as playing other ’70s and ’80s rock, and proceeds from the evening will benefit the Hope Center of Macon and Sisterhood, HIV Prevention for Women.

“It shouldn’t be such taboo to discuss this awful disease, and people shouldn’t feel ashamed for seeking help. We hope that our event and great influences like Freddie Mercury will shine a light. There is help out there and people should be able to access it readily,” Pruitt said.

-- Laura Shirley

“Freddie For A Day” AIDS Benefit

When: 8 p.m. Sept. 5

Where: The Library Ballroom, 652 Mulberry St.

Cost: $10

Information: 478-957-7728

This story was originally published September 3, 2015 at 6:50 PM with the headline "Rock out and dress up during ‘Freddie for a Day’ AIDS benefit ."