For the fifth year, the Southbury Interfaith Social Concerns Committee sponsored a Musical Gala as a fund raiser for the annual AmeriCares HomeFront project. This project, always on the first Saturday in May, helps renovate an area home to a warm, safe, and dry condition. Volunteers from all local faith communities come together and work to assist a neighbor in need. And since none of this comes free, the Musical Gala is used to raise the money necessary to cover the costs of the day. This year over 225 people jamed the sanctuary of Sacred Heart Church to hear a wonderful afternoon of music provided by Willie Nininger, the Pomperaug Middle Scool Chorale, and the Valley Chordsmen. The following pictures show a small part of the day, but not all the work and planning that went into making it happen.
The crowd is starting to arrive. A friendly greeting, and don't forget your ticket. As in past years, there is a beautiful floral arrangement compliments of Southbury Country Florists for some lucky person.
Victor is paying close attention to make sure that all the tickets are accounted for. And, of course, he also put in many hours before in the planning of the day. Thanks, Victor.
Here are a couple more of the organizing group. If it weren't for folks like these, this organization would simply vanish.
Looks like the church is starting to fill up. Everyone is eager for the afternoon to start.
Lauren is a member of St. James Lutheran Church, but doesn't she look right at home here at Sacred Heart?
Speaking about St. James Lutheran Church, here's the pastor, Rev. McGee. He gave a short history of the AmeriCares project, which started at St. James. It started with just one person asking if it would be a good idea. Sure has grown. And it sure is a good idea to help your neighbor, wherever and whoever they are.
The first musician is Willie Nininger, a well known singer and song writer who is also a superb showman.
Willie is a very colorful showman, and has a guitar to prove it. I don't think there is an uncovered space on the body of the guitar.
Willie had the crown eating out of his hand by the time he was finished. A little sing along didn't hurt either. Sing the songs everyone knows and likes, and you can't go wrong. And Willie was also good at reminding everyone that while this is a free will donation, there is still plenty of room in the basket for another donation. Thanks for your help and professionalism, Willie.
Next up was the Rochambeau Middle School Chorale, directed by Tracy Galla. A really teriffic group of young people that have obviously put a lot of time into their singing.
Singing both sacred and secular music, the Chorale presented a wonderful, diverse program. Good Job, folks.
No singing group is complete without some music to accompany them. These folks provided the percussion needed for some of the songs.
And for the entire Rochambeau presentation, this young lady provided the piano music to keep everyone moving along.
Break Time. You can't have a Gala without some snacks. And coffee. And tea, water, cookies, cakes, fellowship...
Immediately following the break, and for the remainder of the afternoon, the crowd was entertained by the Valley Chordsmen, a barbershop quartet group. If there is a cranberry colored shirt around, he must be a member of the group. And what wonderful singing of songs both old and new.
In addition to singing as a large group, occasionally a quartet would form and sing as an actual barbershop quartet. Excellent talent right here in the area. And don't they look like they are having a great time!
The crowd responded to the Chordsmen as they had to the other artists of the day. That is to say with enthusiasm, sometimes singing along, sometimes humming, sometimes just tapping the foot. But always with enjoyment.
If you would like additional information on either AmeriCares or AmeriCares HomeFront, click here.