As Jim told you, this past Sunday a "food-raiser" benefit was held at the Sterling KOA (formerly known as the Sterling Park Campground). At the gate, instead of having someone collect money for admission, volunteers from Willimantic's Covenant Soup Kitchen were accepting donations of non-perishable food items. The weather was kind of gloomy -- not very warm, and always looking like a good rain was going to happen in moments -- but the Bluegrass gospel music heard on the stage was a delight! Eight bands were responsible for the great music: a group featuring the talents of CT musician Vic Gallagher and his family and friends known as the Gallagher Family Band; Breakheart Hill, some friends from Greenwich, RI who pick together and jam weekly, but seldom play on stage; the Jesse Lee Singers, a group formed as an outreach of the Lee Memorial United Methodist Church in Norwich, CT; a great CT band which plays many area festivals and shows, Crossover; from Salem, CT, the very fine Eight Mile River Band;Monadnock Bluegrass, which includes members from 3 New England states; and a reunion of the great grouping known as Nick Anderson & the Gospel Friends. As you might expect, though, the "fan favorite" (at least from my perspective), was the one and only New England BG Pioneer, Sam Tidwell. As you may know, Sam's health is not the greatest, and on Sunday, he admitted that he really wasn't feeling very well at all. However, that sure didn't stop him from playing his banjo and fiddle for about an hour. He was joined on the stage by his Cranston, RI neighbor, John Stey on the mandolin, as well as bass player, Mike Volatile, and my brother,Dave "Tex" Orlomoski on the guitar.
This festival was the brainchild of former "Bluegrass Cafe" show producer, Myrna Riquier, and she is to be commended for putting together such a great event! Sterling KOA owner Bruce Henry seemed to be very pleased by the turnout, and the Covenant Soup Kitchen folks were happy to receive the donations. While everyone would have been happier with warmer, sunnier weather, the day was a great one, nonetheless. If you were there, I'm sure you agree with me.
If you weren't there -- or even if you were -- hope you enjoy these photos from Sunday's show...
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