Kawacz backs up rock legends

UNMC’s Paul Kawacz shows off the guitar pick he nabbed at Sunday night’s REO Speedwagon, Styx and .38 Special concert in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Thanks to a radio contest, Kawacz and other members of his local band, Crazy Chester, were able to sing backup during the show’s finale. (Photo by Andrew E. Nelson, UNMC public relations)

For those UNMC employees who attended the REO Speedwagon, Styx and .38 Special concert at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Sunday, your eyes didn’t deceive you during the show’s final song.

That was UNMC’s Paul Kawacz up on stage singing backup and rocking out with the bands as they all played the finale, “Can’t Stop Rockin.”

Kawacz’s friend, Tim Robinson, won a contest on an Omaha radio station. His reward — Robinson and some of his friends could hop on stage during the show’s final number.

Robinson — who is in the local band Crazy Chester with Kawacz — asked his bandmates to join him on stage.

“It was a hoot, that’s what it was,” said Kawacz, a producer/director in ITS video services who plays lead guitar for Crazy Chester.