Second annual concert is Nov. 27.
MONTCLAIR -- The memory of a Livingston teenager killed in a West Orange murder last year will live on through music.
The second annual "Concert for Brendan" - in honor of Brendan Tevlin - is happening on Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, the committee representing the fund set up in the teen's memory has announced.
MORE: Brendan Tevlin executed for being an American, mother says
This year's concert is drawing some high profile Jersey acts - Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are headlining, and Citizens Radio Band is opening.
"Brendan was a surfer, and Southside is from the shore," John Butkus of the Brendan P. Tevlin Fund said in a phone interview about the concert. "We wanted to keep it close."
WPLJ morning radio show host Todd Pettengill, who made passionate on-air comments in the wake of Tevlin's murder, will be back to emcee this year's show, Butkus said.
The fund's committee has been working with the management and crews at the newly renovated Wellmont, the Montclair Police Department, and Parking Authority to put together the event.
"Everyone has been wonderful," Butkus said.
Brendan Tevlin, a 19-year-old college student, was shot to death in a car in West Orange in June 2014, authorities said. (File photo)Floor tickets for the show are on sale for $50; balcony are $30. All of the proceeds from the event go the fund, which is helping pay for projects in the teen's memory, including a memorial lacrosse field at Tevlin's alma mater, Seton Hall Prep.
"We are working to create an environment (there)...a memory," Butkus said.
The field is being built not far from where Tevlin, who was driving home from a friend's house in June of 2014, was gunned down in his car while at a stoplight. Authorities indicted Ali Muhammad Brown on murder and terrorism charges related to the slaying earlier this year. Brown previously told investigators that Tevlin's murder was an act of "vengeance" for lives lost due to U.S. military action in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and other parts of the Islamic world.
Authorities in July dropped charges against two other men who were initially charged in connection with the slaying.
Last year's concert attracted about 1,500 attendees, Butkus said. Organizers this year are hoping to sell out the 2,600-person venue. Order tickets by calling 800-838-3006, selecting option 1 and asking for "The Concert for Brendan II," or online here.
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.