AmeriCares Musical Gala - 2004
On February 8, 2004 the Southbury Interfaith Social Concerns Committee sponsored the fourth annual Musical Gala, in support of the AmeriCares Project. AmeriCares works to restore homes to a warm, safe, and dry state, through the efforts of local work groups.At the Gala this year, entertainment was generously provided by Nefesh (A Jewish Klesmer Band), Helen Falcone (Mezzo-Soprano) accompanied by pianist Jeanne Hinkson, and Femina Melodia (An a cappella choir). Beautiful weather assured a full house.
The room filled rapidly as the start time approached. Here we see part of the audience, anticipating a wonderful afternoon of music and song.
Welcomes and introductions were handled by Mary Dowling of the Southbury Interfaith Social Concerns Committee. A brief explanation of the AmeriCares projects, and many thanks to those attending. This year we set a record for attendees, with about 175 people.
Hank Daugherty, the local representative of AmeriCares was on hand to thank everyone for their support of this wonderful project. Hank pointed out that the group needs to collect about $50 per volunteer in order to be eligible for AmeriCares support. The generous free will donations from this event will go a long way toward that goal.
A couple of the folks from Nefesh, just hitting their stride, keeping the music rolling on.
And this is not your fathers recorder. More like a recorder on steroids. But oh, how it sounds. And the audience responded bu clapping in time with the music.
All ages can enjoy the music, as we can see from this pair of happy kids.
A coffee break followed the Nefesh group. Nothing like some great music to whet an appetite. And there was plenty of snacks, both home made, and from the store.
Pastor McGee of St. James Lutheran Church stopped by to offer encouragement, and the good news that Thrivent (A.K.A. The Lutheran Brotherhood) would give a matching grant up to $800, matching dollar for dollar the donations received today. What a wonderful example of support. Thanks so much to Pastor McGee and all those who helped in their support.
Jeanne Hinkson accompanied Helen Falcon, and provided a dynamic display of talent in her own solo piano pieces. Here she is deeply into her music.
Helen Falcone opened the second half with beautiful classical and popular numbers. We are truly blessed to have talent of this caliber contributing their time for such a wonderful event.
Closing the afternoon's festivities was Feminia Melodia, a female a capella choir.
One member of the group suggested they try their hand at some African drumming, and the result is spectacular. This is quite different from anything we have had before, and had the audience on the edge of their seats to catch every move.
Many thanks to Hank Rapp of St. James Lutheran Church who generously provided over half of the pictures you see here. It was difficult picking from among so many excellent shots. Thanks, Hank.
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