MADISON, Wis. -- Local musicians and their fans crowded a Madison theater Friday night to raise money in the fight against cancer.

Al Falaschi, of Phat Phunktion, said the "Funk Out Cancer" concert at the Majestic Theater was also to celebrate the life of his wife, Kate Gates Falaschi, who lost her battle with colorectal cancer.

"I'm not a big fan of cancer. It's pretty high on my Most Wanted list right now," said Al Falaschi.

Kate Gates Falaschi lost a nearly three year battle to colon cancer in May. She was 32.

"She had asked her friends, if she ended up losing her battle to cancer, to put together a benefit in her name and then take the proceeds and donate that to cancer research," said Al Falaschi.

Phat Phunktion granted her last wish by headlining the concert Friday night.

"We want to have a good time. No Kleenex here. It's a celebration," said Falaschi.

Joined by Mark Croft and Mamma Digdown's Brass Junction, the performers used music to raise money and lift spirits.

"The funk is going to come out and everybody's just going to enjoy themselves. Tonight's about remembering Kate and knowing that she wouldn't want anybody to be sad tonight. She'd just want people to have fun and have a big party," said singer and songwriter Mark Croft.

The bands and their fans said it's a great reason for a concert.

"We could have done other things tonight and we thought this would be a good way to support a good cause and have a nice night out on the town," said Steve Jansen, of Madison.

"It's great that everybody that is here is supporting the whole research to find cure for this and any cancer," said Kathy Lewis, of McFarland.

"It's a gathering for all people that have been touched by cancer, and it's a chance to make a difference," said Falaschi.

Dozens of area businesses donated items for a silent auction to contribute to the event.

Al Falaschi said there's no goal in fundraising. He said he's just hoping Funk Out Cancer brings in as much as possible for the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

The event has inspired others as well.

Phat Phunktion band members said they were contacted by another family who recently lost a loved one to cancer. That family bought 20 tickets to celebrate the life of who they lost as well.

Colorectal cancer -- the cancer that killed Kate Gates Falaschi -- is the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country, not counting skin cancers. The American Cancer Society said the risk of getting colon cancer in your lifetime is about one in 19.