Riverdale reaches for its stars
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By the end of the night, the concert and auction had raised more than $2,000. Mr. Bar-Illan said the money will be used to offset IRS and legal fees associated with achieving the nonprofit, or 501(c)3 status required for contributors to make tax-free donations.
The day paid off in more ways than one. In addition to raising thousands, it also showcased the myriad artists and musicians who have flocked to this little enclave in the Northwest Bronx.
The lineup, including many locals a few out-of-towners, was: Carmine Grillo, Johnny Seven, Genetic Control, Diamond Joe Siddons, Mary Courtney, John Redmond, Marc Campbell, Jeremy’s Revolution, Rocky and the Pressers, Capital Moustache and, the highlight, Jon Herington, a guitarist, singer and songwriter who has played with the likes of Steely Dan.
Johnny Seven, headed up by Riverdalian and Hunts Point Middle School Principal John Hughes, got the audience moving with numerous covers and finished his set up with Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone.”
By the time Mr. Herington came on around 10 p.m. An Beal Bocht was so crowded it was difficult to move. But that didn’t phase Mr. Herington who belted out tunes and strummed his guitar. He even paused between songs to remind the increasingly loud room what the evening was all about.
“We’d like to see a cure for cancer, we’d like to see a cure for AIDS, we’d like to see an end to famine!” he said.
Genetic Control, whose guitarist and vocalist, Charlie Schiller, was responsible for a popular Haiti benefit at the YM-YWHA last year, also got hips swinging and fingers tapping. Like all the artists who performed, he said he jumped at the opportunity to help a good cause.
“We’re very passionate about the wellbeing of youth,” Mr. Schiller said.
David Gerstein, who performed with the bluesy Texan Diamond Joe Siddons, said he’d been deeply affected by cancer and was eager to help out.
“Both my parents died of cancer. I’m more than willing to donate my love of music,” he said. “It’s a terrible disease. We need to find a cure.”
The day paid off in more ways than one. In addition to raising thousands, it also showcased the myriad artists and musicians who have flocked to this little enclave in the Northwest Bronx.
The lineup, including many locals a few out-of-towners, was: Carmine Grillo, Johnny Seven, Genetic Control, Diamond Joe Siddons, Mary Courtney, John Redmond, Marc Campbell, Jeremy’s Revolution, Rocky and the Pressers, Capital Moustache and, the highlight, Jon Herington, a guitarist, singer and songwriter who has played with the likes of Steely Dan.
Johnny Seven, headed up by Riverdalian and Hunts Point Middle School Principal John Hughes, got the audience moving with numerous covers and finished his set up with Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone.”
By the time Mr. Herington came on around 10 p.m. An Beal Bocht was so crowded it was difficult to move. But that didn’t phase Mr. Herington who belted out tunes and strummed his guitar. He even paused between songs to remind the increasingly loud room what the evening was all about.
“We’d like to see a cure for cancer, we’d like to see a cure for AIDS, we’d like to see an end to famine!” he said.
Genetic Control, whose guitarist and vocalist, Charlie Schiller, was responsible for a popular Haiti benefit at the YM-YWHA last year, also got hips swinging and fingers tapping. Like all the artists who performed, he said he jumped at the opportunity to help a good cause.
“We’re very passionate about the wellbeing of youth,” Mr. Schiller said.
David Gerstein, who performed with the bluesy Texan Diamond Joe Siddons, said he’d been deeply affected by cancer and was eager to help out.
“Both my parents died of cancer. I’m more than willing to donate my love of music,” he said. “It’s a terrible disease. We need to find a cure.”
Keywords
focus on, purple hat, foundation, cancer, benefit, music, arts, art,
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