Over the years, garage rock has become a staple in the Tacoma music scene. I suppose it's partially the result of having a lineage that dates back to the Sonics, those almighty, amp-stabbing garage grandfathers. Their echoing influence may be unavoidable for many true-blue Tacoma rockers. Talking about "Tacoma grit," the music that pops into one's head is likely the dirty, ear-splitting kind that will be on display at Sonic Shakedown.

Assembled by local garage rock act the Dignitaries, the Sonic Shakedown bill is made up of almost half a dozen local mainstays, including the Coloffs, the Plastards, the I Love Myselfs, Apache Chief and the Dignitaries themselves. The lineup is eclectic within the boundaries of garage rock, showcasing the punkier and poppier extremes of the genre: the I Love Myselfs' more classic rock leanings will play in opposition to Apache Chief's rabid squall, for instance.

It should be a fun show. And sweetening the deal even further are Sonic Shakedown's admirable intentions. Proceeds from the event will go to the America Diabetes Association. I spoke with Reylan Fernandez of the Dignitaries about how the event came together.

"Ken, our bassist, has a friend that works for the ADA," says Fernandez. "The ADA was trying to reach a different demographic and somehow our band got mentioned. We have friends and family that have the disease and it's really close to home. We ran with it and decided to make it a garage rock-themed benefit."

He says they had been thinking about throwing a festival of garage rock, and that the opportunity to hold a benefit for the ADA seemed like a perfect outlet for that idea.

"Anyway, it turned out more of a punk/garage benefit and we couldn't be more happier," Fernandez continues.

As if you needed another reason to scrounge up the measly $5 cover, in addition to the abundance of awesome music, Sonic Shakedown will also have two raffles - one for a guitar, and one for a pool cue.

The Dignitaries may be too nice to say it, so I'll pick up the slack: If you don't attend this show, you're a bad person. There. Either let that sit on your conscience, or come out and see a kickass show. Couldn't be simpler

Sonic Shakedown

with the Plastards, the I Love Myselfs, the Dignitaries, the Coloffs, Apache Chief
Saturday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m., $5
The New Frontier Lounge, 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma
253.572.4020