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Spazz Fest and Screw Cancer are returning this year and joining forces to raise money for a local musician in need.

Screw Cancer Round 2 is the second benefit show in support of Justin Flythe, of the band Lonnie Walker (formerly of Greenville) and friend to organizer Todd Cook. Flythe was diagnosed with lymphoma in February 2010.

Cook and Jeff Blinder, who organizes Spazz Fest, decided to combine their events and raise even more money for the cause. All proceeds — after paying the bands — will go to Flythe.

Spazz Fest/Screw Cancer 2 will be held March 24-27, and will include a “round robin” set (performers form a circle around the audience and start a song chain) on Friday and a brunch and matinee punk show on Sunday.

“The Round Robin was not my original concept,” Blinder said. “It's one I borrowed from Dan Deacon and other Baltimore musicians who actually utilized it during an early Spazz Haus show. With so many folks wanting to be involved in this event this gives the singer-songwriters a chance to do their part and be featured.”

Proceeds from this year's event will help the Flythe family pay for a bone marrow transplant.

“Besides raising money, both events are to show support and to boost morale for one of Greenville's own and his family during the adversity they face,” Cook said.

Bands from all over the East Coast, including Brooklyn, N.Y., Philadelphia and Boston, are coming to support Flythe, as well as hometown favorites like Lonnie Walker, Future Islands and The Charming Youngsters.

Each night will cost $8 but a special three-day wristband, called the “golden ticket,” will be available for a limited time for $20. There are only 70 golden tickets available and they can be purchased at East Coast Music and Video or Tipsy Teapot. The wristband ensures priority entry into all three shows, access to wristband-only drink specials, exclusive invites to after-party events, as well as the complimentary Spazz Fest Brunch on Sunday, courtesy of Tipsy Teapot. Those without a wrist band can still attend the brunch for the price of $5.

We spoke to Cook and Blinder about Spazz Fest and Screw Cancer:

Why do you think so many musicians were willing to get involved in this?

Cook: I think so many musicians were willing to get involved in this because Lonnie Walker has been a very successful band here in the Greenville music scene. With Justin being a key part to the band and part of their success, I feel most other musicians and bands are eager to get on board to help out one of their own. Justin also helped out with the formation of the original Spazzatorium, the venue that helped promote local and touring bands here in this town a couple of years ago. Also, it's a great way for people with different talents to get together creatively for a good cause. Last but not least, Justin is also a standup guy, and all around great human being. He deserves to be taken care of.

Why do you think music and fundraisers go together so well?

Cook: I think music and fundraisers go together so well because music draws a crowd. Seeing bands play promotes a good time, which people are willing to pay for, and it being for a good cause boosts overall morale.

We all know what Screw Cancer's cause is, but what's Spazz Fests' mission?

Blinder: The mission of Spazz Fest is to celebrate Greenville's live music community — both in the local talent on hand as well as keeping Greenville fresh in the mind of traveling acts as a viable touring option. Bands still remember The Spazzatorium and are happy to see a related event happening bearing the name. Spazz Fest falls directly one week after the South By Southwest Music Festival (SXSW) that takes place in Austin, TX. Many east coast acts make their way out there and we catch them on their way back seeing as Greenville is right off of I-95.

Why did you think this would be a good collaboration?

Blinder: I felt this collaboration would be a good idea because the timing of Justin's cancer resurfacing and the fact Spazz Fest's organizing was already in motion. Future Islands specifically wanted to be involved with the initial Screw Cancer benefit that took place last year but their schedule wouldn't allow it. This collaboration allows them to do their part to help a friend as well as giving the Greenville masses a show they desperately want to see.

Do you look for specific musical genres when planning your fundraisers?

Cook: I do look for specific genres when planning fundraisers. I want variety. Anything less is boring. It needs to be exciting and have something for everybody from different walks of life to relate to and enjoy. It draws more people and helps spread the word about the cause or fundraiser to people who you'd never think would consider attending otherwise. The more people who know about it, the more help you can potentially receive. I want a wide gamut, from energetic electronic based music like Future Islands for this benefit, to Hip-Hop like N'Dangr Species for the last Screw Cancer benefit, and everything in between.

What would be your dream lineup?

Cook: If i could have any line up? Probably Tom Waits, Al Green, Bob Dylan, Future Islands, Wu-Tang Clan, The Black Keys, Them Crooked Vultures, R.L. Burnside, The Sex Pistols, Neko Case, The Flaming Lips, Marvin Gaye, and Neil Young. That would be nuts.

Contact Kristin Day at kday@reflector.com or 329-9579.