BENEFIT FOR LAMBERTVILLE FIREFIGHTERS & LAMBERTVILLE/NEW HOPE RESCUE SQUAD HUGE SUCCESS
OUR SINCEREST GRATITUDE FOR YOUR SUPPORT
A Review Of The Event by Starr Sackstein (how it ran in the paper)
On November 24, 2001, in the small town of Lambertville, New Jersey, an intimate crowd gathered at the Rago Gallery. The objective was simply put in a press release: “In this time of uncertainty, it is critical that all communities support their local Emergency Resources. If we can stand strong individually, imagine the strength we’ll have collectively. Proceeds from this benefit will go to support our local Firefighters and the Lambertville-New Hope Emergency Rescue Squad.”
In support of the local Fire Fighters and Rescue Squad, an interesting mix of friends came together to share the stage. The audience enthusiastically showed their support by participating in several rock memorabilia auctions during the evening, emceed by local WDVR-FM DJ, Gino Macaroni.
The musical event began with Michael Falzarano and Professor Louie (aka Aaron Hurwitz) of Memphis Pilgrims playing a few numbers armed with only acoustic guitar, accordion and keyboard. The opening ballad, “One More Round,” was written by Falzarano about the September 11th catastrophe and the continued effort to find bodies at Ground zero. The somber tone of respect for firefighters and rescue workers who had to find and identify co-workers and loved ones echoed in his words of strength and courage. The duo followed with Bob Dylan’s “Blind Willie McTell" (off of The Band’s Jericho album), with Professor Louie providing vocals and keyboards, backed by Falzarano on guitar. The tempo picked up when Rob Wolfson (Toni Brown Band guitarist), joined the duo on “Baby Loves To Boogie” off of Professor Louie’s Jam album. The chemistry was obvious between the three musicians who did a few more songs together, ending their set with “Where Are You Going?,” a song about a young boy whose country needs him.
Living Earth took the stage shortly after another auction break, bringing the crowd to its feet with a set of Grateful Dead standards. No one could resist such powerfully fun, upbeat numbers like “Not Fade Away” and “Bertha.” Guitarists Bob Stirner and Alan Preti opened, singing “Not Fade Away” into “Going Down the Road Feeling Bad,” while Matt Ginsberg banged out a heavy drum line. Other highlights were “Brown-Eyed Women,” “Deal” and “Truckin’” with a finale “China Cat Sunflower/ I Know You Rider” medley. Bassist Dan Gold and keyboardist Bob Albasi rounded out the band’s Grateful Dead sound.
Next, the Toni Brown Band was poised to impress and entertain. Brown, had a particularly personal reason for contributing to the benefit—she is a local New Hope resident,. The set opened with an up-tempo “Midnight Moonlight,” and Toni quickly had the crowd singing along and tapping their feet. Accompanied by guest drummer Matt Ginsberg from Living Earth, the group did “Last Row In The Balcony” off of her first album, Blue Morning. Glenn Spivack’s pedal steel helped create the band’s unique sound, while bassist Ian Zdatny banged out a strong rhythm and Rob Wolfson added delightful lead guitar licks. A personal favorite was the new “Rabbit Hole Soul,” a song about finding home, which Toni dedicated to her husband.
The evening’s climax came when Toni brought out all the evening’s musicians, creating an amazing ensemble. They kicked off this mini-set with Rob Wolfson singing “Deep Elem Blues” and Professor Louie playing the accordion. The crowd joined in by singing and dancing along with the uncommon mix of musicians. Next Professor Louie performed “Next Time You See Me” and everyone was able to stretch out on extended solos. The musicians were having a great time. Toni sang her sultry version of “New Minglewood Blues,” followed by Michael’s renditon of “Big Railroad Blues.” Other highlights included the appropriate “U.S. Blues,” “The Weight,” sung by Glenn Spivack, and a big finale of the Flazarano-led “Friend of the Devil.”
It was a perfect evening. The night was filled with fun and surprises. It was great to see so many seasoned performers share the music in this casual setting. The Rago Gallery’s open floor served as an indoor lawn, and vendors added to the outdoorsy feel. It was a memorable night for the privileged crowd who turned out in support of a worthy cause.
Starr Sackstein has had work published in Relix magazine, along with local newspapers and periodicals.
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