THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

WE RAISED A LITTLE OVER $10,000

WE ALSO RAISED THE ROOF!   SOME GREAT MUSIC AND GREAT SPIRIT.

(samples from concert) The Saints  My One and Only Love  Give Me the Faith   Basin Street Blues


SATURDAY OCTOBER 1, 2005 7:30 PM
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
90 MAIN STREET, WORCESTER
$20 SUGGESTED DONATION;  HELP HOWEVER YOU ARE ABLE
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR, ONLINE, OR 508-757-2708
ENJOY GOURMET DESSERTS ON SALE AFTER THE CONCERT

Join us for an eclectic evening of jazz, spirituals, and contemplative music to benefit the American Red Cross relief efforts for the victims of the Katrina hurricane.

Sacred music speaks a universal language. No matter what our religious or philosophical convictions, this music touches the heart and the soul. In this time of concern for those affected by Katrina, music can help us try to make sense of this disaster, and help us come together to raise monies to get hurricane victims back on their feet.  Under the direction of Will Sherwood, the choir at the First Unitarian Church of Worcester sings gospel & spiritual favorites, and are joined by some of the finest musicians in our area to create a "joyful noise" for all children of God to enjoy.

Repertoire being planned for the concert includes
(click underscored to hear a sample from rehearsals):

Processional: When the Saints
Come Let Us Sing    Allen Pote   (tpt, timpani, piano)
Day by Day
Hear Me, Redeemer Mollicome
Gospel Mass (excerpt) Robert Ray
Give Me the Faith When I Don't Understand
Hush Hush Someone's Callin' My Name
New-Orleans-Style Audience sing-along (with David Blodgett)
     City of New Orleans, Blue Bayou, Cajun Dance
Basin Street Blues by Spencer Williams
James Baldwin Reading
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (flute & soprano)
My One and Only Love (Trumpet & organ & soprano)
Aria on a Chaconne by Joel Martinson       (Jeffrey Wood, organ)
Precious Lord
Sing Me to Heaven

When the Saints Come Marchin' In   arr. John Rutter

Performers

First Unitarian Choir, Will Sherwood director & accompanist
Noel Cary, clarient/sax & Jerry Bellows, piano
Bob Gordon, percussion
Jeffrey Wood, organ
David Blodgett, guitar
Bruce Hopkins, trumpet
Jean Gough, Alesia Tringale, Debra Benschneider, sopranos
Rick Cain, double bass
Dave Blodgett - accordion, vocals
Andrew Cary - stand-up bass
Bob Gordon - drums
Glenn Pettit - guitar
Nancy Smith - guitar, vocals
Helen Wright - fiddle


Press kit information/press release


POSTER PDF

Many of us in New England have read about the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast, and, working individually, have sent what we can to those who have lost family, homes, work, and communities. Many groups are also responding: gathering food and supplies from neighbors and friends, collecting money at cash registers, and calling in to national telethons.

The First Unitarian Church of Worcester will be raising money for the American Red Cross with a Benefit Concert on October 1, at 7:30 PM at 90 Main Street. The church is urging the entire community to come together and open their hearts and wallets for those who need our help. The concert feature an eclectic mix of jazz, spirituals and contemplative music. Performers will include soloists and the Festival Choir of First Unitarian, Bruce Hopkins (trumpet), Jeffrey Wood(organ), David Blodgett(guitar), Bob Gordon(percussion), Noel Cary(clarinet and sax), Jerry Bellows, piano, and Will Sherwood(piano and director).

All concert proceeds will being given to the American Red Cross to help those displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The sponsors are suggesting a donation of $20, but "everyone who wants to help in any amount should come", according to Rev. Barbara Merritt, Senior Minister at First Unitarian Church. "Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 for the Red Cross on this one evening. As a bonus, donors will receive some Mardi Gras beads"

First Unitarian Church raised over $7000 at its Sunday service last week for Katrina relief efforts being administered by Unitarian Universalist agencies. " In worship we raised some money, some of which was specifically to help Unitarian Universalist churches in Louisiana, who have been hard hit by Katrina. But now we want to raise a lot more money for the Red Cross, who is helping everyone in need," said Rev. Tom Schade, Associate Minister at the church.

"We have chosen music which is uplifting, heartwarming and inspirational for this concert; music touches the soul and can help us make a connection with those who are suffering. Music can also inspire us to help those in need get back on their feet," says Will Sherwood, director of music at First Unitarian.