Marquette Hosts "Concert for Life" Proceeds to benefit American Cancer Society Released: Sept. 26, 2005 Cancer is a very personal thing for Matt Wessel. He lost his father to the disease in 1997 when he was just a junior in high school. His father was only 47 years old. Wessel’s aunt succumbed to the disease as well, and his mother is a cancer survivor. Turning to music to escape the sorrow of his father’s death, he wrote a number of songs about hope, life and faith. Those songs became Wessel’s first album, “Pure Inspirations,” which was released when he was a senior in high school. Since then, Wessel has graduated from Marquette University, landed a job with the Milwaukee Bucks front office, and recorded four more albums. Wessel returns to his alma mater at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 to perform at the Concert for Life in the Weasler Auditorium. The concert will feature Wessel performing his original songs on the piano while accompanied by several other musicians. This will be Matt’s ninth Concert for Life. His eight previous shows in Wisconsin and his home state of Illinois have raised more than $75,000 for the American Cancer Society. "Cancer has definitely had a huge impact on my life and the life of those around me,” says Wessel. “This concert gives us a chance to remember those who have passed away from the disease, support those who are fighting it, and celebrate those who have survived it.” The concert is open to the public. Advance tickets are five dollars and are currently available for sale in Marquette Residence halls or by email at concert4life@yahoo.com. Tickets will also be available at the door for seven dollars the night of the event. Raffle tickets for door prizes will be sold at the show for one dollar. All proceeds will be donated directly to the American Cancer Society. For more information on Matt Wessel and his music, please visit www.mattwesselmusic.com. Office of Marketing and Communication Contacts Christopher Stolarski Media Relations Specialist Phone: (414) 288-1988 Send e-mail