Greeley Estates is looking for fresh blood.
That is, fresh blood for the American Red Cross.
The Phoenix band has teamed up with the American Red Cross to present the Music Saves Lives college tour at ASU.
Everyone who donates blood at the American Red Cross blood drives on campus will receive two free tickets to the Greeley Estates concert at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 25 at the ASU Arboretum (on the north side of Wells Fargo Arena near Lot 59).
Vocalist Ryan Zimmerman says the band members were interested in the Music Saves Lives tour because they wanted to do their part. "We're home for a month and we wanted to find something a little bit different," he says.
In addition to Zimmerman, the band is comprised of Dallas Smith (guitar), Brandon Hackenson (guitar), Brian Champ (drums) and Josh Applebach (bass).
After touring on the 2006 Warped Tour and a having a stint on the Taste of Chaos tour, former ASU students Applebach and Champ decided to "put their educational career on hold."
But because of its strong tie to ASU and the Valley, Greeley Estates helped put on Music Saves Lives at ASU.
Jessica Hill, concert series director of the Programming and Activities Board, is coordinating the event with the other organizations.
"The purpose of the event is to raise awareness among a younger generation, specifically our generation, of the importance of donating blood," Hill says.
Students can donate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, Sept. 21, in the bloodmobiles outside of the northeast corner of the Memorial Union and Monday, Sept. 25, in the MU basement Union Stage room.
After donating, participants will be given two vouchers for Greeley Estates tickets redeemable at Hoodlums in the MU.
Donors should weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. In addition, anyone who has had any tattoos or piercings within the past six months or who has donated blood in the past two months cannot donate.
Greeley Estates recognizes that some people may be unable to donate.
"If you don't have blood," Smith says, "if you show up, you're going to make it in either way."
Donating is the preferred way to receive tickets, but if you do not meet all the requirements, you will receive a voucher for showing support, Hill says.
Good thing, considering the band will fall into the "unable" category. With their forearms sleeved with tattoos, the band members say that due to the six-month tattoo rule they would not be able to donate.
But as soon as the six-month date passes, bet on Greeley Estates to stop by the blood bank closest to their current tour stop.
Reach the reporter at celeste.sepessy@asu.edu
