Pictured: Neil McCurry as Gene Simmons raises breast cancer awareness with KISS Cancer Goodby III. Provided photos/Creatures Fest.

Local KISS fans won’t want to miss KISS Cancer Goodbye III, a three-day KISS-themed music festival held December 6-8 at Harvest House in Sarasota. Organized by Neil McCurry, a local banking executive and bassist for the KISS tribute band KISS America, the event aims to raise funds for breast cancer research. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in U.S. women, responsible for one-third of all new female cancer cases. In 2024, the ACS projects 42,250 breast cancer deaths.

McCurry was an 11 year old impressionable boy when he first became interested in the music, makeup and props that go along with KISS. A few years later, he started his own KISS band. Almost 20 years later, he’s still rockin’ and rollin’ KISS style. “Some things we outgrow as time goes on, some things we should outgrow and some things we never outgrow.” he says.

KISS Cancer Goodbye III will feature rock legends Eric Singer (KISS drummer 1991-2023) and Bruce Kulick (KISS guitarist 1984-1996) as co-headliners. McCurry’s previous events raised over $100,000 for the ACS, with last year’s Men Wear Pink campaign raising $63,000 locally. McCurry's aim is to raise funds while increasing awareness about cancer risks and early detection. “This year, we are challenging ourselves to find ways to not only continue to raise funds in the fight against cancer but also to provide more education about cancer risks and create a stronger message about the importance of getting checked for early signs of cancer,” he says. A lifelong resident of the area, McCurry enjoys giving back to his community. He expects a larger local turnout this year, noting, “I wanted to create something that adds to the enjoyment of living in Sarasota.”

McCurry, who performs as “Gene Simmons” with full costume and stage antics–which involves hours of preparation–has organized several events over the years. Harvest House, the presenting partner, features a state-of-the-art community center with an elevated stage, advanced sound and lighting, and a 16-ft video wall, creating a rock concert experience with an intimate feel.

Tickets for the event are $59 for all three days or $24.95 per day. For more information and tickets, visit kisscg.com.

Pictured: Neil McCurry as Gene Simmons raises breast cancer awareness with KISS Cancer Goodby III. Provided photos/Creatures Fest.