september 9

Peter Hackel’s stepmother, Paige Hackel, was on one of the planes that was steered into the World Trade Center Sept. 11, 2001. The very next month, Hackel, a drummer with James Montgomery’s band, put together a benefit show and it’s a tradition he’s carried on every year.

This year, he thought he might take a break – ‘’my plans were to lay low’’ - but, says, “The bottom line was I felt compelled to do something. Paige was more of a friend and peer than my dad’s wife and step-mom; she helped me raise my daughter Amanda, who I just saw off to college.”

And so, Hackel is playing an hour-and-45 minute show with Danny Klein and Friends featuring the Boston Horns on Sat. Sept. 9 at Jake’s Dixie Roadhouse. The nine-piece band “celebrates the music of the J. Geils Band,’’ says Hackel, referencing Klein’s old mates. “This thing,” he says, “has a spirit, power and energy that can’t be denied. Danny’s the anchor, the drive and the groove and we all just fall into place.’’ Mike Lamm is the singer; former Fools singer Mike Girard may join. They start at 10 p.m. Following them is Rockin’ George Leh. The donation at the door is $10 and an extra $5 gets you a live CD and T-shirt. (The money goes to the Middlesex Human Service Agency.)

Motivation? “My effort with PH Productions,” Hackel says of his production company, “is trying to connect with worthy causes Paige would have believed in. That’s where she was headed, trying to help others. This is just carrying on the tradition.’’

220 Moody St., Waltham, 781-894-4227 phproductions.net