Westchester Lanes in Chesterton will be the site of a rocking fundraiser this evening for “Merry Meals,” a charitable organization that provides Christmas meals to region families in need.
“Merry Meals was formed in 2008 and last year served 250 free meals that were provided through fundraisers just like the one at Westchester Lanes,” explained Brian Fine, rhythm guitarist of The Next, one of two local music groups donating their time and talent to aid the cause between 9pm and 1am.
“Our band is always willing to lend a helping hand to a great community cause, especially right here in our own backyard,” added Fine, formerly with the local recording act Echofarm and a former classmate of Merry Meals founder Mandy Pritchard Moore. “When Mandy contacted me, there was no question we would help.” The Next’s line-up also includes, drummer Pat Harvey (formerly of region jam band, Funkshoe), bassist Mike Dahlgren, and lead guitarist Jimmy Downes (also of Blues Cruise). More at: www.thenextbandrocks.com.
“Around the holidays, we all need to stop and think about the families not be as fortunate as us,” continued Fine. “If we can help by playing our instruments for a few hours, then bring it on!”
In addition to The Next, tonight’s benefit will also feature a live set by The Rebecca Anne Band, plus open bowling and raffles. Cost is $5 for bands/$10 for bands and bowling (includes shoes), but bowling tickets are limited.
“Rebecca Pakish Crum of The Rebecca Anne Band is also an ’89 graduate of Chesterton High School (like Moore and Fine), so this just might turn into a mini-class reunion,” concluded Fine. “Our goal is to have a great event (tonight) so more deserving families can be fed this Christmas.”
Westchester Lanes are located at 124 North 8th Street in Chesterton. More info: (219) 926-2523 or email to: merrymeals@gmail.com
MUSIC NOTES:
• My condolences to a longtime member and good friend of the local music community, Phil Miller and his wife Cynthia, on the loss of their beloved son, Matthew Miller, who passed away last Sunday unexpectedly.
• Music fans in attendance last Sunday at Chicago Street Theatre in Valparaiso for the "Storytellers Concert" by iconic songwriter Jim Peterik, got a nice surprise when regional singer/songwriter David Carl was invited up from out of the audience to sing harmony with Peterik on the song, "I Wish." Two members of Peterik's legendary Chicago hit-making group, The Ides of March (guitiarist Larry Millas and bassist Bob Bergland), also delighted the audience when they popped up and sat in on a few classics from the Ides catalog.
• National Fingerpicking Champion Eric Lugosch (www.ericlugosch.com), an educator of both beginner and advanced guitarists at the renowned Old Town School Of Folk Music of Chicago for over twenty years will present a 5:30pm workshop – “Arranging Pieces for Fingerstyle Guitar” -- this afternoon at Front Porch Music (505 East Lincolnway) in Valparaiso, followed by a concert there at 8pm. Cost is $25 for the workshop and $12 for the concert, or both for $35. More: (219) 464-4700 or www.frontporchmusic.com
• Singer/songwriter Lexi Elisha of Portage has been invited to open the show for country hit-maker Clint Black on December 1 at the LaPorte Civic Center (1001 Ridge St.) in LaPorte. The 6:30pm concert is sponsored by Bethany Lutheran Church of LaPorte with proceeds used for local drug and suicide prevention programs. More: (219) 362-3312.
• Congratulations to Alligator Records president and founder, Bruce Iglauer, who was honored this week for “Distinguished Service To The Arts” by Chicago’s Lawyers For The Creative Arts, an organization that provides free legal service to financially eligible clients in all areas of the arts. Alligator recording artists Corky Siegel and Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater performed in Iglauer’s at the presentation event.
Email Tom Lounges at: beatboss@aol.com
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