The Duce In Phoenix To Host Rock, Burlesque Ukraine Fundraiser

PHOENIX, AZ —After holding successful fundraisers during the pandemic, a Phoenix dining and performance space is hosting an April event designed to help Ukrainians who are struggling after the Russian invasion of that country.

At 7 p.m. on April 15, the Duce, located at 525 S Central Ave., will host "Rock 'n' Roll Revue," which will raise money for the World Central Kitchen.

The show will feature burlesque dancer Monica Alexandra, who will take the stage with musicians, vocalists, other dancers, aerialists and fire artists. That performance will begin at 10 p.m.

The Thaddeus Rose Band will serve as the opening act, beginning at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $40 and, according to organizers, 100 percent of ticket proceeds and a percentage from food and drink sales will be donated to World Central Kitchen.

Founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit that serves chef-prepared meals to communities impacted by natural disasters and prolonged humanitarian crises, including during the war in Ukraine.

In April 2020, Steve and Andi Rosenstein, the husband and wife team behind The Duce, created "The Duce Food Fight," as a way to combat food insecurity during the pandemic.

According to Steve Rosenstein, through community outreach and support from local and national business leaders, the initiative raised an estimated $140,000 and helped to feed over 10,000 people.

"Fast-forward almost exactly two years, and we are watching in disbelief the horror, devastation and irreparable damage being inflicted on the Ukrainian people," Steve Rosenstein told Patch. "On April 15, we will host our show of love, caring and comfort for the Ukrainian people in the form of a fundraiser."

Steve Rosenstein added: "World Central Kitchen is led by world-renowned chef Jose Andres, who is now charged with the monumental feat of feeding millions of Ukrainian refugees right across the border in Poland. We can't think of a higher honor than supporting his cause."

Tickets to the event are available online.