The benevolent folks at the Belly Up are no Scrooges when it comes to charity. They’ve done blood and pet food drives (not together) in the past, and Toys for Tots during the holidays, but on Monday, the Solana Beach venue will embark on one of its most ambitious benefits yet.

The Belly Up’s latest effort — an instrument collection for special needs kids — is something altogether unique and perfect for the venue. Dubbed “Banding Together” after the San Diego nonprofit of the same name, the charity drive aims to provide music therapy to children who have disabilities such as autism and Down Syndrome.

Initially envisioned as a one-day concert and collection drive, the venue instead decided to open its doors for an entire week, accepting donations from 12pm to 5pm beginning this Monday, October 24 and ending Friday, October 28. The actual benefit concert will take place at the Belly Up on Tuesday, October 25. Matt Curreri, Michael Tiernan, and Megan Combs will play, and DJ Woods from 94/9 will the emcee the soiree. Continue reading…