Cleveland State University senior Anna Skalicki will host the “We Play On” benefit concert at the Treelawn Social Club at 8 p.m. Friday, March 27, to celebrate the lives and legacies of local musicians Michael LoConti and John Love.

The event will feature a variety of musicians as they come together to support family and friends of LoConti and Love while raising funds for two community foundations.

“This concert has become a way for all of us to come together for one night and carry on the music in their honor,” said Skalicki, a studio art major.

LoConti, a CSU alumnus, and Love passed away in 2025. Both were incredibly active members of Cleveland’s music scene, from attending open mic nights to supporting fellow musicians. Each continues to inspire Skalicki and the local music community.

“Even though we lost them both last year, as musicians and artists still living, each of us continues to be motivated by the lives they lived when they were with us,” she said. “Michael was just the kindest soul, and John was a sort of ‘pioneer’ among us. He brought out the genuine in everyone.”

Their passing prompted Skalicki to organize a smaller benefit show last year. With support from the community, she began planning this larger event soon after to honor them both.

Dedicated to bringing the community together, Skalicki has lined up a range of performances, including from Chris Lugo, Sabby, Henry LoConti and her own band, Marie & The Restaurant.

“This show has taken me months to put together – from finding performers and their availability, to finding a sponsor, to gathering all the tech crew necessary to pull off a production like this,” Skalicki said. “Not a day goes by where I’m not planning.”

Money raised at the concert will directly benefit two foundations, the Michael LoConti Music Foundation and the Standing Rock Cultural Arts Center. 

The Michael LoConti Music Foundation honors its namesake's passion and dedication to music, with a mission to carry on that spirit by “providing access to music, education and resources for families and young adults navigating loss or struggling with serious issues,” Skalicki explained. 

“(Michael) was passionate about the Cleveland music scene," she said. "(He) took pride in contributing his unique style and talent to support the musicians around him and elevate the local music community.”

The Standing Rock Cultural Arts Center works to build community through the arts and provide accessible cultural arts programming in Kent, where Love attended Kent State University.

“All ticket sales from this benefit show will make lasting impacts for families and students across Northeast Ohio, providing access to music education, events and programming,” Skalicki said.

She hopes attendees, as well as the families of LoConti and Love, will feel the sense of love and collaboration behind the event.

“We are all coming together for the love of music and the love we have for each other," Skalicki said. "When our friends passed, we all knew to live this life was a blessing."

Organized DIY fashion, the show is Skalicki’s opportunity to share with the community her and her friends’ love for music and the “simple joys all around them."

Skalicki plans to make the “We Play On” benefit concert an annual event to continue inspiring and bringing Cleveland together every year.

“It’s my way to carry on the legacy of Michael and John,” she said. “To get our friends together for one fantastic night of music and a great way to get folks aware and involved with two awesome causes."