TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A benefit concert will be held on Thursday, Oct. 18 for Josh Wimberly, a third-year doctoral student in The University of Alabama School of Social Work who was diagnosed with cancer in August.

The Social Work Association for Cultural Awareness (SWACA), faculty and staff members of the UA School of Social Work, Phi Alpha honorary and the Doctoral Student Organization are co-sponsoring this event.

Performers will include Alabama blues legend Willie King, Caroline Shines, Midlife Crisis, Tom Zeiler, Headtones, Gary Edmonds Band and The All-Stars.

The concert will be held from 6 p.m.-midnight at Little Willie’s in downtown Tuscaloosa at 2209 4th St. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased by contacting Vicky Carter at Vicky.Carter72@gmail.com or 205/242-7692.

All proceeds will be used towards the payment of expenses incurred during Wimberly’s medical treatment and recovery. Charitable donations can be made to the “Friends of Josh Wimberly” bank account at any Alabama Credit Union or mailed to The University of Alabama School of Social Work to the attention of Alan Kaufman or Cassandra Simon, P.O. Box 870314, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0314.

Organizers of the event say the benefit concert is focused on providing direct financial assistance and support to Wimberly during this difficult time. Friends and colleagues invite you to join them at this charitable event for a night of music and fun. Students can learn more and RSVP for the event by going to http://ua.facebook.com/event.php?eid=4887039310 and signing in on their account.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.