A surge of heavy riffs, pounding drums, and community spirit will fill the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 670 in Fayetteville on Jan. 17 as local and regional metal bands unite for a cause at Mosh Out Cancer, a benefit concert supporting the Karen Chandler Trust.
The all-ages show begins at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m., at the VFW Post 670 located at 3928 Doc Bennett Road. Tickets are $10 and available at the door or online through the Karen Chandler Trust, with an estimated crowd of 300 expected. One hundred percent of the show’s profits will go directly to the trust’s mission of supporting local cancer patients and their families.
Headlining the night is Crooked Cult, an established metal band known for its intense performances and devoted fanbase. The Fayetteville-based group regularly plays throughout North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and South Carolina, with upcoming shows scheduled as far north as New York and Massachusetts. They will be joined by Fear State, 11:59, Ethris, and Morior—bands from the Fayetteville area featuring seasoned local musicians, each bringing their own sound and following to the stage.
“We bring a high energy and an attitude that you don’t get from most heavy acts you’ll see in this area,” said Luke Farris, guitarist for Crooked Cult. “Our music provides an aggressive release from the tension of daily life.”
Crooked Cult vocalist Dylan Cathey said the band didn’t hesitate to participate. “All of us have had friends or family fight cancer; we want to help in any way we can and motivate our fans to do so as well,” he said.
The concert is part of a new outreach effort by the Karen Chandler Trust, which has long relied on music-centered events to raise funds. Vice President Wendell LeSueur said Mosh Out Cancer represents a fresh direction for the organization.
“This concert is the first in a new wave of events that the Karen Chandler Trust is using to bring more youthful energy to service,” LeSueur said. “Yes, it is a concert, but more than anything it is a way for the youth of the greater Fayetteville area to give back to the community they thrive in.”
Bernie Mangiboyat, president of the trust, said the idea grew from his own experience as a young musician. “I wanted to create an all-ages show for younger and older bands to play,” he said. “As a kid and young musician, I had a local promoter who did that, and it was incredible to be able to play for family and friends. I thought it would be a perfect match for it to benefit such a great local cause.”
In addition to live music and an expected mosh pit, the event will feature a full bar, food, and raffles, including an autographed guitar donated by Edwards Music Company and signed concert posters. Each band will host a merch table alongside local vendors, reinforcing the event’s grassroots, community-driven focus. The night will be hosted by Shawn Adkins of Back Around Records and is sponsored by Eaton, DaVille Skate Shop, Edwards Music Company, Backaround Records, Ascension Music Group, The Dragons Lair, Pet Nerd In-Home Pet Sitting, and Burchfield Design.
Founded in memory of Karen Chandler, a beloved Fayetteville musician and single mother who battled cancer, the Karen Chandler Trust is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to easing the financial burden of cancer treatment. Operating entirely through volunteers, the trust provides assistance with non-medical expenses such as rent, utilities, transportation, groceries, and other daily necessities that often become overwhelming during treatment.
Organizers hope Mosh Out Cancer will become the first of many events that harness the power of Fayetteville’s music scene for community good—proving that even the heaviest music can carry a message of hope.

(Photo: Crooked Cult plays a show. The band, a local heavy metal favorite, will be headlining Mosh Out for Cancer. Photo by Michael Smith, Unseen Sights Photography)