Mix fresh guitar, funky bass and stellar skills at beat boxing with the pursuit for peace. The result? A benefit concert for Peace Action of Central New York featuring none other than Syracuse's beloved Joe Driscoll.

The concert is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 24, at the Westcott Theater, 524 Westcott St. The venue opens its doors at 6 p.m., and Driscoll takes the stage at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $15 each, and all proceeds from the show will benefit Peace Action.

Driscoll, a one-man band fusing rock, reggae, folk and hip-hop, creates a multilayer sound system through his live loop sample show. Many of his songs are about the search for justice and peace in today's society. Peace Action of CNY, 10 years old next year, brings together the community in events promoting peace, human rights and the elimination of nuclear arms. Driscoll and Peace Action are a perfect pair.

"My songs are about socially conscious issues," Driscoll said. "I can't think of a better cause."

In the past, Peace Action has organized protests and marches to raise awareness for the cause, as well as held dinners to raise funds. "This is the first benefit show that I'm aware of," said Jerry Lotierzo, co-chair on Peace Action's board of directors. "This is a major one for us. Like any other organization, we're stretched to the limit and need some funds. This should be a good one, it should get a lot of people out."

Sunday's show might be Peace Action's first musical endeavor, but Driscoll is a veteran when it comes to benefit concerts. "I've volunteered many times for the cause of peace, in many shows around the world," he noted. I'm happy to get some money to Peace Action and help them bring some attention to the cause of peace. My personal thing is that, whether it's under Bush or Obama, the wars were ill-conceived and ill-planned. Everyone's forgotten we're still in two wars-especially at times like this, we need more peace and love."

Peace Action hopes the concert will attract more than 500 people from Syracuse and the surrounding areas. "I've had a lot of people tell me they're excited for the show. I do expect a big crowd," Driscoll said. "Come on out and have a good time for a great cause." For more information, call The Westcott Theater at 299-8886.

-LORNA OPPEDISANO