The first Kick Hunger benefit concert on Saturday night at the Krug Park Amphitheater had all of the right attributes - a good cause, diverse arrangement of bands ranging from pop-rock to classic rock, a pit full of beach balls and a large venue. The main problem seemed to be finding people to fill it.

About 70 people rounded out the pavilion to see the four bands, including organizers and headlining band Kick Kick, made up of members from St. Joseph, Kansas City and Marysville, Kan.

C.J. Rooney, also known as Star Boss, a guitarist and vocalist for Kick Kick, said despite a small audience, this only sets the foundation for future events.

"This is the beginning. This is how we have to start it. I think it's a good start," he said.

Blame it on the sunny afternoon that turned into a gray evening or people staying at home watching college football, those that attended were wondering what excuse there was to not attend the event.

"It just is like 'Where is everybody?' I mean, this is great. ... Everybody should be here," Marlene Hebb said.

Sitting beside Ms. Hebb, Benton High School students Marissa Hebb and Scott Patrylak said they had heard about the show through school.

"I heard a local St. Joe band (was) going to be here, I thought, 'Wow, that would be amazing," Marissa said.

Wendy Weston and Latisha Jennings said they got word of the concert through a posting on MySpace. Though they said they didn't know any of the bands, it was worth checking out.

"It was something to get out of the house," Ms. Weston said. "I thought we would enjoy it."

All of them wondered why more events such as Kick Hunger aren't present in St. Joseph.

"This should be an every Saturday night thing," Marissa said. "Everybody complains there's nothing to do in St. Joe, but this is great. I really hope this is something that catches on."

More importantly, a couple hundred pounds of food was donated to needy families for America's Second Harvest of Greater St. Joseph food bank.

"All of this money goes toward emergency food," Mr. Rooney said. "If they can't (go to) the food pantry for three days a week, Second Harvest is able to say 'Here, you can eat tonight.' This is what it's for."

Scott Tomhave, executive director of Second Harvest, said though the organization didn't arrange the event, they appreciate the donations and ambition.

"It's nice that you have a few young adults that are thinking about how to take care of the needs within the community, particularly through their music," he said.

Andrew Gaug can be reached

at andrewgaug@npgco.com.