“SOUP AND A SONG” MUSICAL FUND-RAISER

SECOND “SOUP AND A SONG” MUSICAL FUND-RAISER

WILL BE HELD FEBRUARY 25TH AT ST. SUSAN CENTER

MONTHLY SERIES IS SPONSORED

BY TRINITY GUITARS

The monthly “Soup and a Song” fund-raising series of programs, combining concerts by popular local musical groups with “open-mic” opportunities for other performers, will continue on Friday, February 25th at St. Susan Center, Jamestown’s soup kitchen. January’s inaugural event proved very popular, with all of the open-mic time slots filled, and a jam-packed audience in attendance to support the Center. The program netted more than $600, enough to provide 242 meals for St. Susan clients.

For the modest admission price of $7, attendees are treated, not only to a fine evening of live musical entertainment, but a meal consisting of hearty soup, several varieties of breads, crackers, desserts, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Proceeds from the Soup and a Song series benefit St. Susan Center, which in 2010 served 85,000 meals to a diverse client base that extends beyond the unemployed and homeless to include young parents, teens, seniors, children and persons who are challenged physically, mentally or emotionally. “Thanks to generous community support,” said Sue Colwell, St. Susan Center’s executive director, “we can provide hot, nutritious meals seven days a week, 361 days a year. The Center could not keep its doors open for a single day without that support. We are blessed with a community with heart, and that’s what makes us who we are,” Colwell said.

Logistical support for the Soup and a Song program is being provided by Trinity Guitars, the Jamestown-based purveyor of fine stringed instruments and audio gear. Trinity Guitars owner, Jim Holler, who coordinates the talent for the events and provides the sound system, has been impressed by the support the series has received to date. “The response of the musician community and the people who came to enjoy the first event was overwhelming, Holler said. ”It showed yet again what a truly a caring community this is. Open-mic registration is even stronger for the February event, and includes a number of new names who want to show their support for St. Susan Center.”

The Soup and a Song events are held at St. Susan Center’s facility at Gateway Center, also known to Jamestown residents as the former Chautauqua Hardware Building, at 31 Water Street. The public is admitted beginning at 6:00 pm, with the open-mic segment of the programs beginning at 6:10. Featured entertainers begin playing at 7:40pm, and the events conclude at 9:00pm.

Featured performers on February 25th will be The Old Dawg Jazz Trio, featuring three veterans of the local music scene: Steve Strom, Steve Eng and Mark Davis. The trio performs a sweet, finger-snapping and toe-tapping mix of swing jazz, western swing, gospel, blues and pop tunes. Mandolin player and vocalist Steve Strom is a talented multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. Steve Eng is featured on jazz guitar and vocals, and
Mark Davis demonstrates his rhythmic and solo talents on the upright bass.

The March 25th featured band will be Grandpa Snazzy

“One person can make a difference, but when the whole community comes together, we can make an even greater difference,” said Colwell. Persons interested in learning more about St. Susan Center may contact Colwell at (716) 664-2253, extension 3. Since time slot availabilities for the February event are filling fast, persons interested in performing during the open-mic segment should contact Jim Holler quickly at (716) 665-4490, or sign up in person at Trinity Guitars, 800 West Third Street in Jamestown. The open-mics are geared toward acoustic-based performers of folk, blues or country selections suitable for a venue such as St. Susan Center.