What better way to help your neighbors than with good music, good people and good times at Beatfest 2006? The Buffalo Environmental Action Team (where Beatfest gets its name) will host its second annual festival this Saturday to benefit PUSH, People United for Sustainable Housing, a grassroots organization working to rebuild the impoverished neighborhoods of Buffalo’s West Side. True to its name, Beatfest will be full of bluesy rhythms and hot beats from the likes of the Jony James Blues Band (pictured), the Todd Eberwine Band, Pseudo-Slang, Alex Mead, Gr& Phee, [ONE] and DJ Cutler. Along with music for those in need, participants with needy souls are welcome to camp out on the grounds, fish, canoe and kayak to their heart’s content.

The drive outside the city will be more than worth it, not only to benefit those areas of the West Side that could use some love but also as an opportunity to celebrate the newly arrived summer. It’s also a chance to bring together people with the same concerns and ideas somewhere where their voices can be heard above the noise of car engines and bus brakes.

Saturday, June 3. Breezy Hill, 10458 Chautauqua Road, New Albion (907-8493).