Around the Park: 'Rock the Block!' benefit concert staged by Jenos Steaks Sunday

The brothers Jenos - that would be Mark and Rudy Adriano, owners of Jenos Steaks - capture many a taste bud with their legendary cheesesteak subs and other specialties, but they will be cooking up more than sandwiches Sunday.

The two will launch and host a ''Rock the Block!'' benefit concert (formerly known as "Jenospalooza") in the parking lot outside of their shop from noon to 7 p.m.

The theme is "Take a Bite Out of Pancreatic Cancer" and coincides with the fourth annual Sub Eating Contest where, this year, 25 contestants will vie for the new "who can eat the most fastest" title.

The contest starts at 2:30 p.m. and is based on the national Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Contest rules. The contestant who eats the most in 10 minutes wins a cash prize. All of the proceeds from the day will benefit the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, in honor of the Adriano brothers' father, Rodolfo Cruz Adriano who founded Jenos Steaks in 1991. Rodolfo lost his battle to pancreatic cancer Aug. 1, 2005.

"He's the running spirit behind all of this - the foundation as to why it is all possible," Mark said. He compared cancer to the ravages of the plague adding: "I need to do something about this."

Helping Mark to organize this concert is Rhonda Hatfield, national event coordinator for the foundation. "She has done a wonderful job supporting this event," he said.

With his laptop propped up on the shop's counter on Tuesday,Mark was busy finalizing plans. "This is the calm before the storm with the benefit concert this year - there's more involvement with other people," he said.

"Hospitals, businesses, a different game I'm playing here. Without Rhonda, I don't know where I would be."

Five bands and a DJ will be performing in the blocked-off parking lot. Due to the popularity of the Adriano family, there's no telling how big the crowd will be. Mark is estimating about 300 and the more the merrier. He's lined up the bands to attract a diverse audience. "We're hoping to get a broader group of people," he said.

Meanwhile, Rhonda has acquired sponsorships from the Baltimore Ravens and Southwest Airlines to donate prizes to the raffles. Many local businesses have donated gift baskets and certificates. There will be a raffle every 30 minutes said Mark. The prizes include autographed pro jerseys and helmets, airline tickets and gift certificates from local businesses.

Although the concert is free, a $20 donation will help a good cause while buying the patron a pancreatic cancer purple band and a combo meal of a burger, chips and a beverage.

Jenos is located at 552 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. The concert is presented by Unknown Rockstar Inc. and sponsored by the Priddy Guitar Academy, the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, Southwest Airlines, and the Baltimore Ravens.

Among the bands performing will be the top two bands of the Priddy Guitar Academy's "Battle of the Bands," which performed in August at Rams Head On Stage: Neena & the Aquatic Turrets and the Priddy Ugly Blues Band. There will also be a DJ set by Jon Mack and Jason Drenner and the Scarborough Sideshow. For more information, call Mark at 410-533-9080 or e-mail mark@unknownrockstar.com.Congratulations to Grace Sayers and George Constantine, both of Millersville and students at Severna Park Middle School; Nicholas McClare, Leah West and Emme Sayers all of Shipley's Choice Elementary School; and Taylor Baldwin of Millersville. These actors are among the 12 StageWorkz students cast as the munchkins in the national tour of "The Wizard of Oz" opening in Baltimore at the Lyric Opera house tomorrow through Sunday

StageWorkz students will play the part of munchkins and winkies. Munchkin cast members rehearsed weekly at StageWorkz, located on Benfield Road, learning choreography, blocking vocals and staging. This is the 70th year anniversary of the "The Wizard of Oz" and StageWorkz is also celebrating its 10th anniversary. StageWorkz is under the direction of Vicki Smith and for this special event is assisted by Larry Friedman, Debbie Friedman and Bobby Smith.

Parents, teachers and school administrators are invited to a "Gang Awareness Prevention and Intervention" 45-minute program, followed by a question and comment time beginning at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Holy Grounds Youth Center, 623 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.

The presentation is part of a statewide program to prevent future gangs that recruit middle and high school students. It will include a brief history of gangs, identify gangs operating in Maryland, suggest prevention and intervention strategies and provides gang prevention and intervention resources.

The presenter is Bob Yatsuk, security officer for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. For information, call 410-222-5418.

E-mail your Severna Park news to lhunt@capitalgazette.com or call 410-280-5944.