If you want people to hear your event’s message, it helps to have a headlining act named Lissen.

The local R&B group will perform at Sunday’s Benefit Concert for Sickle Cell, held at Columbus State University’s main campus. The event is open to all ages and proceeds go to the Lower Chattahoochee Region Association of Sickle Cell.

It’s designed to “bring awareness to the disease of sickle cell and provide a platform for the foundation to help others in need.”

Expect an appearance by radio personality Juicy of the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show, a performance by the Kendrick High School All-Star Choir and much more.

There will also be giveaways from local businesses like Ben’s Chophouse, Buckhead Bar & Grill and Cover Me Gorgeous boutique.

Unfamiliar with sickle cell disease (SCD)?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates “SCD affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the United States, mainly blacks or African-Americans.”

The CDC adds, “The disease occurs among about 1 of every 500 black or African-American births and among about 1 out of every 36,000 Hispanic-American births.”

The CDC defines sickle cell disease as “a group of inherited red blood cell disorders.” Since the condition is inherited, you can’t catch SCD by being around someone who has it.

“To date, the only cure for SCD is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant,” the CDC notes.