Bread & Roses Presents Fall Benefit Concert on Monday October 1 at the Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley was a resounding success. Executive Director Dave Perron warmly welcomed the enthusiastic crowd. Musical Host Johnny Colla, legendary songwriter, musician and founding member of Huey Lewis and the News, delighted the audience by playing a couple of his favorite songs with his band and emceed the rest of the evening.
Ben and Ziek of Con Brio delivered an outstanding acoustic set mesmerizing the audience with Ziek McCarter’s fantastic vocals and Benjamin Andrews’ intuitive guitar-playing. Ziek’s renowned vocal coach Raz Kennedy was a guest at the event and shared his thoughts on his performance: “Zeke represents one of those young entertainers from the new generation that's firmly informed by, and steeped in the legacy of the classic soul singing front men like Jackie Wilson and James Brown. Zeke puts forth a new rendering of, and is the epitome of, that old school style tradition with a unique spin which transforms the genre into an expression which is all his own. Funky, soulful, fun and emotionally moving best describes the experience when taking in this performer. Keep your eyes and ears wide open for this young brother.”
Dark & Stormy closed out the night playing some of their timeless rock ‘n’ roll jam band tunes giving everyone a chance to dance. A live stream of some of the evening’s music can be seen on Bread & Roses Facebook page.
The night began with an exclusive VIP and sponsors reception. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to mingle and greet friends. Long-time donor and volunteer performer Michael Hatfield of Kentfield was the winning live auction bidder for the Joan Baez Concert ticket package. Board member Philip Pillsbury won the guitar donated by Board Member Adam Fells.
A big heartfelt thank you to Hall of Fame sponsors the Marin Community Foundation (MCF) and Nancy P. and Richard K. Robbins Family Foundation. Of their sponsorship, Tom Peters, President and CEO of MCF said, “This gives me a chance to say again how much we appreciate Bread & Roses…your day-in, day-out delivery of warmth, respect, music and love is truly a treasured activity. I’m proud to have MCF continue to acknowledge your good works.”
Much appreciation to Rockstar sponsors Heather & John Botti, Bon Air Greenbrae, Robin Eber & Ron Zech, Andrea Greenberg & Alex Wellins, and Mary Alice & Paul Kirincic. A special nod to Headliner sponsors Colleen & John Amster, Douglas & Jane Ferguson, the Hale Family, Cynthia & Philip Pillsbury III, Kathy Taggares & Chris Gorog and John VanCamp Dentistry.
We are also grateful for the contributions of all of our in-kind donors including Joan Baez, David Duysen, Adam Fells, Alexandra Fischer, The Flower & The B and Moonalice Posters. Media sponsors Giving Marin of the Marin Independent Journal and Marin Arts gave our event prominent promotion.
It takes a tribe to support our mission of over 600 annual live music concerts for our isolated neighbors in Bay Area institutions. A shout out to our hard-working and dedicated board who bought tables, brought friends and inspire us by their creative donations. A tip of the hat to John Botti and Catherine Less (Board Co-Chairs) and Board Members Gene Barnes, Robin Eber, Adam Fells, Raj Gopal, Chris Gorog, Matt Jaffe, Steve Meckfessel, Donna Mezias, Philip Pillsbury III, Kay Tittle and Alex Wellins.
Save the Date -- Thursday April 25, 2019 -- for our upcoming annual Spring Benefit Concert at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. Stay tuned for musical updates. We hope to see you there!
Photos by Bill Nichols
Live Streamed Footage by Marian Hubler
Photo Credits:
1) Slideshow of photos from the evening.
2) Johnny Colla kicking off the music with a few songs.
3) Clip from live steam of Johnny Colla's set.
4) Ben and Ziek of Con Brio engaging the audience with their original music.
5) Clip from live steam of Ben and Ziek's set.
6) Dark & Stormy revving up the crowd with their jammin' tunes.
7) Clip from live steam of Dark & Stormy's set.
8) Carolyn Gauthier (l) with Michael and Libby Hatfield, winners of the Joan Baez Concert package.