Putting together an event that kicks off the summer with a proper entourage of rock bands, celebrates the memory of a beloved personality, and raises money for surfers all at once is a tall order. But the organizers of the first annual 3B Benefit Concert will do just that. The concert, which will feature burgeoning Boston pop-punkers The Charms, along with York Beach rowdies The Substance and twang rockers Little Big Wheel, will take place on Thursday, May 26 at Inn On the Blues. The event is dedicated to the memory of notorious beach dweller Bill Davies, who died of cancer in March.

Accomplished film and video director Mark Constance, who has been central in organizing the event, described Davies as a sort of walking paradox, a freewheeling enigma who galvanized the spirits of York Beach residents for years.

"He was a chronic underachiever in our minds, but in his mind a complete overachiever. He could have been a college professor or a doctor, but he was content hanging out on the sands of York Beach," Constance said of Davies' unique perspective on life.

The concert was originally conceived as a fundraiser to help Davies pay his medical bills after he got sick. In the wake of his death, however, the idea evolved into a broader vision, and the 3B Waverider Foundation was formed to sponsor the event (the 3B stands for "Beach Bum Billy"), with proceeds going to boost surfing activities on the beach.

Constance, who directed a music video for The Charms last year, contacted the band and asked if they would headline. They gladly accepted.

The Boston-based group's third studio album, Pussycat, has been welcomed enthusiastically by their East Coast fan base.

"We have a little more confidence now," said Charms front woman Ellie Vee. "Every year we average over a hundred shows, and the more you perform live, the more you have a symbiotic relationship with your fans."

The Charms have shared stages with some of their biggest influences, including The Stooges, The New York Dolls and The Strokes. The group's musical roots, according to Vee, span decades of rock, including '50s hip-shakers, '60s garage rock, '70s "power pop," and old school rockabilly.

"Our record collections are kind of ancient," said Vee.

The result is a lascivious, barroom punk tone on a leash; a clean sound with a shot of bourbon in the gut and a pinch of salt in the eye. Kat Kina lays down a foxy, retro organ vibe that empowers the jilted, lust-torn vocals of Vee. Guitarist Joe Wizda contributes concise, sprightly solos and drummer Prince Frederick grounds it all with punchy, straight-laced beats. Aside from a show at the Dover Brick House, The Charms have rarely appeared on the Seacoast. In August, they embark on a national tour. Asked if the band was on the verge of "making it big," Vee demurred.

"Mostly we've been a grassroots operation, where we go out there and play and build a fan base," she explained. "We don't want to get ahead of ourselves. Every little success has been appreciated by the band."

The Substance, a now-defunct rock band indigenous to the York Beach area, will be temporarily reuniting for the concert. The group, which features Waverider cofounder Chris Elliot, was a personal favorite of Bill Davies. In fact, Davies was practically a member of the band, frequently joining them on stage.

Little Big Wheel is an alt-country band out of Worcester, Mass. Their second album, Redwood, is slated for release just a few days after the benefit concert, which will be their first York Beach performance. Constance, who has new videos in the works for both The Charms and Little Big Wheel (and possibly local fave's Percy Hill), raved about the Big Wheel sound.

"Little Big Wheel is phenomenal. (Davies) would have loved them. They're a straight-ahead American rock and roll band."

Davies was the manager and projectionist at York Beach Cinema and, more importantly, a legendary beach bum. By virtue of his rare charisma, friends dubbed him the unofficial Mayor of York Beach. He had a natural talent for winning people over.

"He's always been somewhere in my life. And not just me but a lot of people; he was always just there," Constance said.

Proceeds from the $10 door charge will benefit the 3B Waverider Foundation, a group formed by Constance, Chris Elliot and other longtime friends of Davies. Once it becomes an official nonprofit agency, the Foundation will work to sponsor surfing contests and other beach activities. Ultimately, Constance hopes the Waveriders will be able to provide school scholarships to kids in need on the Seacoast.

The 3B WaveRider Foundation Benefit takes place Thursday, May 26 at Inn on the Blues, 7 Ocean Ave., York Beach, Maine.