‘Boobs are Cool’ Benefit

(This article was published by the Tucson Citizen on Oct. 23, 2008.)

Kris Kerry, Plush’s talent buyer, likes to think about sayings that would make for a good T-shirt. He and his wife, Cathy Rivers, dig tossing around truisms and came up with “Boobs are cool.”

“I mean who doesn’t like them in some sort of way?” Rivers pragmatically pointed out. “Women, men, babies – they’re just cool.”

‘Boobs Are Cool’ not only makes a great T-shirt, but it’s also a fundraiser taking place at Plush tonight. Women will be rocking to raise awareness about breast cancer with the proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen For The Cure foundation.

The benefit is the brainchild of Karen Mihina, who was interested in “doing something” for October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Mihina shared her idea with Rivers one night in August at Plush, where Mihina’s band, Jumper, was performing.

“I thought it was a great idea and knew Maebelle (Reed), the owner of Plush, and Kris, the booking agent, would get behind it,” Rivers said.

There’s no question that it’s a great cause to support, especially if you have been personally affected by the insidious disease. Mihina’s maternal aunt died of breast cancer and Rivers’ father was an oncologist who specialized in breast cancer.

Leila Lopez, a musician performing at the benefit, has also lost a family member to the disease.

“My cousin passed away two years ago this January from breast cancer,” Lopez said. “She was only 37. It really affected my whole family, and so it feels good to help support and raise awareness in the community.”

Mihina said the goal is to have attendees connect with the Susan G. Komen southern Arizona affiliate as a resource for information about breast health and breast cancer.

“Not only are they here to help promote positive breast health and early detection, they provide support if you or a loved one is diagnosed with breast cancer,” Mihina explained. “They will help you find local resources for encouragement and comfort when needed.”

Rivers added that, because boobs are cool, “let’s make sure we are taking care of them. By doing self-examinations, seeing your doctor regularly for checkups and asking your friends, partners and family if they are doing the same. Early detection and awareness are keys to fighting this disease.”

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IF YOU GO

What: Boobs Are Cool Rock for the Cure

When: 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursday

Where: Plush, 340 E. Sixth St.

Price: $5 donation; shirts $15

Info: Plush, 798-1298. www.plushtucson.com, www.boobsarecool.org, www.komensaz.org

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Performance Schedule:

9:30 p.m. – Little Black Cloud

10 – Amy Rude

10:30 – Namoli Brennet

11 – Leila Lopez

11:30 – Jumper

midnight – Runaway 5