BENEFITS : Dogs Get on Band Waggin’ for Charity

Dem Horn Dogs, the rhythm and blues musicians who will play at the second annual CHOC & Roll Christmas Show in Anaheim on Monday, admit that they’re in it for the money: They’re hoping their dance concert will raise $10,000 for the kids at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

The band--which has more than 20 members, including a six-piece horn section--started out as a hobby, according to trombonist/singer and co-founder Kenny Karst of Orange. Last year, Karst recalls, when the Dogs played for free at the Orange International Street Fair, they were left with “a great feeling of exhilaration and nowhere to go with it.” So they decided to put their talents to use for charity, and chose the patients at CHOC as one of their beneficiaries.

Karst said the band played a benefit in Riverside recently for the Henry Lawrence foundation, which helps underprivileged children in the Inland Empire. Lawrence, a former Los Angeles Raider, will return the favor and sing with the band at the CHOC show.

Also making an appearance will be CHOCO the Bear, the hospital’s fund-raiser mascot. Tony Roma’s will provide hors d’oeuvres.

Dem Horn Dogs aren’t content with helping CHOC patients just on Monday, though. Karst and two other horn players will play Christmas carols for the kids at the hospital today. And they’re looking ahead to a possible fund-raiser in March: the CHOColate Bunny Hop. Karst and the rest of the band are hoping they “can put some smiles on these kids’ faces and get them back on the streets. That’s what it’s all about.”

What: The CHOC & Roll Christmas Show.

When: Monday, Dec. 9, from 7 to 11 p.m.

Where: The Cowboy Boogie Co., 1721 S. Manchester Ave., Anaheim.

Whereabouts: Take the Santa Ana Freeway to Katella Avenue. The Cowboy Boogie Co. is visible from the exit.

Wherewithal: $20.

Where to Call: (714) 532-8675 or (714) 956-1410.