The Reducers On Hiatus; Benefit Announced For Bassist Battling Cancer

New London based rockers The Reducers. (Handout Photo)

Longtime New London rockers The Reducers announced Thursday the band will go on an indefinite hiatus while one of their members battles cancer.

Steve Kaika, bassist and frequent vocalist for the band, was diagnosed with cancer in late 2011.

The Reducers also announced an outdoor benefit concert for Friday, June 15 in New London. Proceeds from the event will help Kaika’s family deal with mounting medical bills.

More information about the benefit:

“On Friday, June 15, the bands The Rivergods, Dogbite (featuring Hugh Birdsall of The Reducers), Ken Atkins and the Honky Tonk Kind (featuring Tom Trombley of The Reducers) and the Original Sinners will present an evening’s entertainment at the Hygienic Art Park on Bank Street in New London.  Peter Detmold of the Reducers will serve as MC for the evening, and additional special guests are expected.  Gates to the park will open at 6:00 p.m. and music will run from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.  A cash bar and food concession will be available.  All money collected from the door and a portion of the food and drink sales will go directly to Steve and his wife Charlene.

Suggested admission is $10.  Tickets will be available for purchase at the door or in advance at Telegraph, Caruso Music and the Dutch Tavern in New London and the Mystic Disc in downtown Mystic.

A raffle of donated items will also benefit the Kaikas, as will the sales of Reducers merchandise that evening.”