Beats 4 BEAT update...

We had a killer practice tonight in anticipation of our "Beats 4 BEAT" concert on Sunday, June 2, 2013 @ 3 pm. This originally began as a Fat Tuesday project - a way to bring some of our favorite local musicians back together after the fun of Thanksgiving Eve - but Lent was so early this year we decided to move it to a later date.  For a while it might have been a kick-off to spring event - then a celebration of May Day - and now we are edging ever closer to a midsummer gig. 
Some of our favorite horn players, however, will be away so this has morphed into a much more rockin' event than we originally anticipated.  That's exciting as this will also be a way to showcase our incredible vocal talent.  A few of the tunes we worked on tonight include Steely Dan's "Bodhisattva" - a real guitar work out with some tricky vocal changes - "Drive My Car" by the Beatles (this needs more cowbell) - and the REAL kicker:  "Carry On" by Crosby, Still, Nash and Young.
Thank God I've got patient and talented volunteers on this because we had to keep going over and over the a capella bridge.  Lesser musicians would have thrown in the towel.  Additionally, because we're bringing some young players into the mix, too we needed to take time and help get them grounded in the groove.  And as is almost always the case when mixing volunteers with some professionals, it is rare to have everyone in the same place at the same time.  But we've got another 3 weeks til show time so... a lot of practicing will be taking place and we'll see what it feels like come dress rehearsal on May 28th.

There are three reasons why we do these events.  First, it is a gas to put together a "big band" of creative and talented people.  We've been working on this in one configuration or another for the past five years so we've come to know and love one another.  It is soul food for some of us to make sweet music for the common good.  Second, we want people to come into our space:  the Sanctuary is stunning - in a 19th century way - and there are such good sounds and vibes that it aches for music.  For way too long, this congregation had the reputation of being the elitist church and playing popular music is one fun way to break out of that rap.

And third is that doing music gives us a chance to support and highlight one of our local mission partners.  This summer - as part of our eco-justice commitment - we're raising funds and awareness for BEAT: the Berkshire Environmental Action Team.  Throughout the warm months we co-sponsor Saturday "river clean-up" events on the Housatonic River.  Not only does it help make the river more lovely, it helps the wider community get in touch with what's happening with the water, soil and air in our town.  (Check them out @
http://www.thebeatnews.org/)

Another treat for this show will be the area debut of Dianne's brother-in-law:  Miche.  He is a very talented vocalist and a sensitive and creative guitar player. To help cover his travel expenses a member of our band will be hosting a "house concert" for Miche on Saturday evening, June 1st.  (Check him out @
http://www.michefambro.com/)
One of my favorite people - and local musician - Linda Worster is going to be a part of this show. (Check her out @ http://lindaworster.com/)  Whether sharing her own stunning tunes or interpreting the songs of John Hiatt, she touches something in my heart every time she plays.  And she has a blast rockin' and rollin' when things get cranked up, too.  

For this BEAT show, I am blessed to have these local folks playing some rock and soul music:  Carlton Maaia II, Rebecca Leigh, Dianne De Mott, Eva Perri, Jon Grenoble, Dave McDermott, Brian Staubach, Jon Haddad, Andy Kelly, Ethan Wesley, Gregory Fournier, Emory Korte, Omar Enriquez, Liz Goodman (with Rob Dumais and Paul Durwin working magic on the sound board.)  There will be original tunes - jazz - rock and soul as well as some kick ass jams.
If you are in the area, please stop by - for the tunes - and to help strengthen the BEAT.