Rapid City, SD – On April 11th, 2026, Charity Organization The Rocke Grace Foundation hosted a sold outevent for the first ever “SD Kids That Rock” benefit concert raising money for Autoimmune Disease support and awareness at The Monument. The foundation uses a unique blend of fundraising through music and medicine. This year they gave kids of all ages an opportunity to perform in front of experienced judges for the chance to win a variety of awards ranging from medals and trophys, all the way to a $250 scholarship.
The Rocke Grace Foundation is a local organization founded by Amelie Wilcox at age 16 to honor her late grandfather, Rocke Grace, a platinum-award-winning songwriter and musician known for his work with Joe Walsh in the creation of the now famous rock anthem ‘Rocky Mountain Way’. Rocke suffered from an autoimmune disease and passed away in 2020. The organization’s mission is to bring awareness to those suffering in silence with Autoimmune Diseases through music in creative and heartfelt community events.
The judges were three young musicians and contestants seen on the NBC television show “The Voice.” The judges were: 17-year-old Bijou Belle, a Rapid City singer of the band ‘The Rathco’, 15-year-old AJ Robinson, from Columbus, Georgia, and 18-year-old Ashley Marina from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Alongside them, also judging were two experienced Radio personalities, “Stitch + Oak” from HOT 93.1
The event, hosted by Amelie Wilcox, was split into two acts with an intermission. 21 contestants performed. They were split into three divisions: minis, juniors, and seniors, ranging from 5 to 18. Ashley, AJ, and Bijou also performed numerous songs, including originals. All three of them debuted live versions of their original music. At the end of the show, Mountain Way by Joe Walsh and Rocke Grace was performed by all performers.
The first opening act featured the national anthem performed by the 2025 Miss South Dakota, Jamee Kattner, followed by special performances by Bijou Belle, AJ Robinson, and Ashley Marina, who each sang their blind-audition tracks as seen on The Voice. Next, the show began with 9-year-old Jaeda Drue, followed by 11-year-old Ariya Lillian’s performance, which caught the eye of Ashley Marina, who said she “sang it like she lived it,” turning it into something of an act.
Alongside Ariya, all 21 of the contestants took home an award that night. Some awards included Vocal Powerhouse, Rockstar Energy Star Performer, and Top 10 Vocal Winner. One contestant who stood out among the others was Zander Waddell, an 18-year-old CHS student and songwriter, who performed an original track, “Slowly Falling”.
Waddell sang while playing the piano. Through a performance that showcased his musical talent, Zander won multiple Judges’ Choice awards, the Breakout Artist award, and the Legacy Award (1st overall), earning a $250 scholarship.
Zander said, “I think (this award) will help bring me to the part of life I’m about to enter. I’m going to college in an area I don’t know, so this award boosts my morale and makes me want to keep pursuing my passion for music.”
The event was a major success, with many in the community hoping for it to return next year.
“South Dakota kids really do rock,” Amelie Wilcox said near the end of the event. “All of the kids who performed tonight, their friends, and their family, should be so proud of them.”
The Rocke Grace Foundation has another Kids that Rock already in the books for early 2027. More information on past and future events hosted by the Rocke Grace Foundation can be found on their website or their Instagram page @therockegracefoundation www.therockegracefoundation.com
