Concert for troops amid Super hoopla

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WPRI) - The days leading up to the Super Bowl are full of hard work -- practice for players, strategy for coaches, and scrambling on the part of journalists to find out how the other two groups are doing -- but it's not all work and no play.

Throughout Super Bowl week, several galas are being held throughout Indianapolis. Many of them benefiting worthy causes.

One of the parties featuring some big names on both teams is an outsize fundraiser -- a concert, with open bar, food and auction -- benefiting wounded U.S. service members and their families, families of the fallen, as well as initiatives in literacy. (Click here for more details and to support the charity.)

Thrown by former Comeback Player of the Year Jim McMahon, the "Swang 'N' Super Bowl Charity Bash 2012" is being held Thursday night at the Rathskeller in Indianapolis. The concert is scheduled to veer between country, alternative soul and funk.

Among the special guests set to attend are Patriots players Rob Gronkowski -- pending his recent injuries (his brothers Chris and Dan are also on the card), Chad Ochocinco, Brandon Spikes and Donald Thomas. Nine of the New York Giants are expected to appear as well.

Joining McMahon on the football greats list are former Chicago Bears coach and tight end Mike Ditka, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and current NFL Network analyst Michael Irvin.

McMahon, a BYU grad, played for multiple teams during his career between 1982 and 1996, including the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, San Diego Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles. He was known at various times in his career for wearing a sweatband -- and getting in trouble with NFL top brass -- as well as wearing dark glasses due to a childhood accident.