Cindystock backyard music fest benefitting cancer screenings returns to Wexford

An annual event for a good cause that folks in the area look forward to each summer is returning to the Wexford home of founders Cindy and Ted Yates. The 19th annual outdoor music festival known as Cindystock is set for Aug. 20 beginning at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $50 and admission includes lots of live music and a full dinner buffet and soft drinks. The money raised is used for local cancer screening and provided to support agencies.

Cindy and Ted Yates founded Cindystock and the Yates Fund for Cancer Hope 19 years ago to underwrite local cancer screening tests and support services. To date, nearly $400,000 has been raised by the concert events held in the Yates’ backyard.

This year’s lineup includes headliner Cat Ridgeway, a singer/songwriter with a reputation for soulful vocals and high energy. The opening acts include singer/songwriter Mark Ferrari, who has also opened for national acts such as Uncle Kracker, John Waite, George Jones, CeeLo Green and Blue Oyster Cult.

Also featured are Pittsburgh band Blues Attack, formerly led by Jill West, who lost her battle with cancer last year; Cuban music performer Miguel Sague III; and singer/guitarist Maura Elyse.

The 2020 event was held virtually due to the pandemic.

“All of the musicians are highly talented. My goal is bringing wonderful music to those who might otherwise not hear it. It has something for everybody,” said Cindy Yates. “I think many of the people come through word of mouth that this is a great event and a great way to help people. All the money (raised) stays in the Pittsburgh area.”

As part of the two-day event, there is also a Friday night bicycle ride that gives participants a choice of 10, 20, 30 and 40-mile roundtrip routes that begin and end at Helicon Brewery in Oakdale. Beer will be available for purchase, with a portion of the sales going toward the Yates fund for Cancer Hope.

The concert is the next night and patrons are asked to bring their own chairs and their own adult beverages.

For more information, contact Yatescancerfund@hotmail.com.