Local Physicians from Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center Trade Scrubs for Six-Strings in "Rock for Relief" Battle of the Bands Fundraiser

The stage is set for a medical musician showdown of epic proportions as two bands, comprised of local physicians, prepare to face off in "Rock for Relief," a fundraising event to benefit the Departments of Cardiology and Neurosurgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The event will take place Wednesday, October 9, at 7 p.m. at the renowned music venue, The Vogel, located at 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank.

The friendly-but-fierce competition will feature Not On Call versus Outsourced, two rock groups that trade stethoscopes for electric guitars after hours. While the majority of the band members spend their days in clinics and operating rooms, on this night, they’ll be battling for rock and roll supremacy and, more importantly, for a great cause.

Brett Sealove, M.D., chair of cardiology at Jersey Shore and lead singer of Not On Call, says the event is the perfect prescription for a good time. "We spend our days focused on healing, but music is a different kind of medicine—it’s therapy for the soul," said Dr. Sealove. "We can't wait to get on stage, have some fun and challenge our friends in Outsourced. But at the end of the night, the real winner will be our community, and that’s what this is all about."

The sentiment is shared by his rival, Shabbar Danish, M.D., chair of Neurosurgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and bassist for Outsourced. "Being a physician is incredibly demanding. Music is my outlet—a way to decompress and connect with people on a different level," stated Dr. Danish. "The band and I are ready to bring our A-game and show everyone that we have the best chops. More seriously, we are honored to use our passion for music to support such a critical local cause and hope to see a packed house at The Vogel."

"Rock for Relief" offers the community a unique opportunity to see their local doctors in a whole new light while supporting a worthy cause. Attendees can expect an evening of classic and modern rock hits, high-energy performances and a vote to crown the ultimate physician-rocker champion.

Beyond Dr. Sealove, the musicians of Not On Call include other physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work collaboratively at the medical center. The full member roster includes: Dr. Sealove on lead vocals, Chrissi Landes on vocals, Dr. Raymond Malapero on bass, Matt Petrides on keys, Dave Sagurton on drums, Barry Price and Dr. Michael Devita on guitar and Eric Salkin on saxophone.

Outsourced has been delivering fun, polished shows since 2014. This high-energy, five-piece rock cover band that plays favorites from the 80s, 90s and beyond, consists of Dr. Danish on bass, vocals by Dr. Mahuya Malieckal, Dr. Gautam Malhorta on vocals and guitar, Pranay Maisura on vocals and drums and Christopher Greco on guitar.

Tickets to the 2025 Jersey Shore University Medical Center Battle of the Bands are priced at $25 each and are available now at GiveHMH.org/JSUMCBOB.