~ On Saturday night, October 25th, 2008 a special benefit event was held at the Sculpture Barn in New Fairfield, CT.  Special thanks to Doug Wahlberg and Stephanie Lyon Shultz, for asking me to perform at this truly important function. 

Here was the press release>>>
 
At the age of three, young Wyatt Keeley of New Fairfield was shockingly diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. His parents, Wayne and Joanne Keeley, then of Yonkers, New York, felt blind-sided. Duchenne is an always terminal, muscle-wasting disease which affects approximately one in 3,500 male children. The family soon learned that Wyatt would first lose his ability to enjoy simple physical pursuits, eventually become confined to a wheelchair, and finally lose the battle somewhere in his late teens.  

The Wyatt Foundation is a non-profit organization formed by Wyatt’s family and friends to raise awareness, to provide support and resources, and to assist in the global effort of finding a cure for Duchenne.

October 25, 2008, from 7 to 10 p.m., the Foundation will take its inaugural foray into the community with a gala evening of immersion into arts, entertainment, fine food and wine, and a silent auction. That’s Entertainment! will feature performances by actor of stage and screen, Samuel Wright, known for the unmistakable voice of Sebastian the Crab in Disney’s The Little Mermaid and for his portrayal of Mufasa in Broadway’s The Lion King; Tony Award-nominated, Astaire Award-winning Broadway dancer of Movin’ Out, Elizabeth Parkinson; The Doug Wahlberg Band; and acoustic guitarist Marc Huberman.

The community at large has come together to support this endeavor which has been made possible due to the generosity of several local businesses. The gala will take place at David and Carter Boyajian’s exquisite Sculpture Barn, 3 Milltown Road, New Fairfield. Hors d’oeuvres will be superbly catered by Tom Devine from Ciao! Catering and Events and Two Steps Downtown Grille, Danbury; wine has been donated by Stew Leonard’s Wine Shop, Danbury; a cake and delectable desserts will be presented by The Goodie Shoppe, New Fairfield; flowers provided by Village Flower Shop, New Fairfield; photographs will be taken by White Light Inc., Bethel; and all print and web materials have been created by Dactyl Technologies LLC, Danbury.

With their three children, the Keeleys moved to New Fairfield three years ago and have been welcomed into Fairfield County with open arms. The extra attention needed for Wyatt has been expertly made available through New Fairfield public schools. This gala event will serve to educate the community as well as to generate funds which will allow the organization to work toward many exciting projects. The hopes of The Wyatt Foundation are to reach not only into the lives of families affected by Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy (Becker is a related form; one of the other 42 types of MD) but also to serve the needs of individuals and families affected by any of a multitude of chronic or terminal diseases and disabilities..

Local businesses are invited to take part in The Wyatt Foundation’s mission. For more information about the event or about donations and sponsorship, call (203) 312-9804, send e-mail to:thewyattfoundation@gmail.com,
or visit  www.thewyattfoundation.org. Tickets are $75 per person ­($100 at the door) and are available at New Fairfield merchants including The Goodie Shoppe, Sprinkles Ice Cream, Portofino, Video Island, and Village Hardware. They also may be purchased by sending a check made payable to The Wyatt Foundation, P.O. Box 8030, New Fairfield, CT 06812.

Special thanks to everyone that helped support this successful event-and to everyone that braved the torrential weather that night! 

If you didn't make it to the event or have not made a donation yet, please don't forget to click on the Wyatt Foundation website, listed above. 


~ La Zingara Ristorante continues to be one of my favorite spots.  I truly do love this place, from both sides of the coin.  For those of you who enjoy going out for brunch, this place is one to check out.  It's a nice way to relax and start your Sunday.  That is when I typically play---from 12p-3p.

I have to tell you- every time I eat here, I am in awe.  I must also mention that the dinner menu is outrageous too---so, please set aside some time; to try the evening fare.  

Thank you to everyone that came down for my gig on February 21st.  My next scheduled performance will be on Sunday, June 6th. 

La Zingara is located at 8 P.T. Barnum Square, right off of Greenwood Avenue in Bethel, CT.  Their contact number is 203.744.7500; for reservations and for more info...


~ A big thank you to everyone that came down to support the Kevin's Community Center benefit.

Kevin’s Community Center, Inc. is a nonprofit, free medical clinic founded in 2002 by Dr. and Mrs. Z. Michael Taweh of Newtown, CT, in memory of their son Kevin.

The clinic instantly made health care accessible to those who had no choice but to let long-standing health issues go untreated.

Since the clinic opened, KCC has served over 1000 patient visits.  In 2005, they provided more than $500,000 of free medical services. 

The special fund-raising event raised over $8,000.00!!! 

Classical and Jazz music artists,  Doug Wahlberg and yours truly performed throughout the afternoon.  Many area wine and food vendors donated their time, great wine and food selections to the cause as well. 

For more information on Kevin's Community center, please click on this link.

Special thanks to Doug and Cindy Wahlberg for asking me to be a part of this function.


~ A big, big thank you to everyone that came down for the 15th Annual Drums Around the World event on Sunday, August 24th, 2008.  The weather was perfect! 

It would not have been possible without the passion and commitment of Chief "Drum Guru," Drum & Dance Program & Sound Directions Founder, plus all around great guy, Randy Brody.  Thanks to Randy for asking me to be a part of this wonderful gathering.

Please click here for more information on what Randy's projects are about...


~ On Friday night, August, 8th, at 7:30pm- the City Center Danbury "Summertime Festival on the Green" concert series featured a special opening performance by yours truly, then the righteous Doug Wahlberg Band took the stage and knocked everyones socks off with their unique brand of infectious grooves>>> Please visit their website when you have a moment--you won't regret it!!!

Thank you to all our friends, family, fans and folks who decided to come on down.  The weather couldn't have been nicer--as those nasty afternoon storms finally cleared out only a short time before the gig.

A big ol' thanks goes out to Doug Wahlberg and Andrea Gartner, CityCenter's Executive Director for having me be a part of this fine evening.

~ With that being said, the success of the evening was due in part to the wonderful support from Jon Chattman of The News Times and Ethan Carey and Lou Milano from the I95, 95.1 FM, WRKI Morning Show. 

First, Jon Chattman published a wonderful article in his "Backstage Pass" section of The News Times.  It was more than just a promo for the gig on the green that night.  It was a very thorough interview, that basically covered how my musical endeavor has developed over the years.  Thanks so much Jon!

Please click here to view the article- it should still be posted online.

That same morning, Ethan and Lou helped to promote the night, by talking and interviewing Doug Wahlberg.  I can't thank you guys enough for suporting Doug's band and myself.  As Lou has dubbed me "Crazy Fingers!"  I kind of like that title:)  I do have quite a wacky approach to slappin' that geetar ay:) 

Please make sure to tune into their awesome show weekday mornings for the laugh of a life time!  And, of course, thanks again to Mr. Doug Wahlberg and the Doug Wahlberg Band, for helping to keep my name out there and the opportunity to open up their show.


~ On Friday night, September 14th.  I will was part of an awesome triple bill at the famed Cutting Room in New York City. 

The night showcased yours truly, the monster blues band Roxy Perry and the always amazing Doug Wahlberg Band.  

Special thanks to Doug, Roxy, Joe Spielberg (for recording the whole night on audio and video) and of course--all of our wonderful friends that came down to support us... 

Don't forget to visit Roxy Perry's and Doug Wahlberg Band's websites.  These folks are tearing up the music circuit----definitely something worth checking out!!!

I was grateful and honored to have had the opportunity for  repeat appearances on January 11th, March 28th and June 20th.  These shows were double-bills featuring yours truly and Doug's band.  We had a blast!  Thank you to everyone who came down to support us!  Special thanks to Doug for hooking me up with these great gigs!!!  We are planning a return gig some time in September---details are tba...

By the way, every so often, a bunch of us head down to their famous Monday night open mic/jam, lead by Richie Canata, the saxophone player for Billy Joel's band.  They have an all-star line up of musicians...I highly suggest checking this place out.  I will keep you posted on our next trip down to this rockin' spot!

You never know who you are going to run into at this wild spot---Please click here to view a picture Felicia Collins and yours truly.  I'm sure most people know this already, but in case you don't>>> she is the lead guitarist and vocalist for Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra- the house band for the Late Show with David Letterman.  She was very nice.  We ran into her one Monday night and she was kind enough to allow a picture opp.  Please check out her website, to see what other musical projects she's involved with.


~ We had a really great time at SoNo Caffeine in Norwalk, CT.  I'm psyched that they are now offering live music once again.  This spot has been an important part of my musical journey.  I am equally as pleased to mention that the one and only John Stuart is back at the booking helm. 

He diligently works to support the local music scene.  He is also a great musician.  So, please join me in thanking him for getting this whole ball rollin' once again... 

*Special thanks to Ethan James for starting the night off with an outstanding set of music.  Please click on the link above, to learn and hear some of the amazing music that Ethan creates and performs...  Also, a big hats off to Verryn Jennings, for accompanying both Ethan and I on saxophone and djembe!


~ On Saturday, April 19th I will was part of a wonderful event called the Go Green Earth Gallery.  Coordinated by Cathy Moore and her company Promotions In Motion, this exciting function was an afternoon showcasing "Earth Friendly" businesses, products and services.  It was held at the Stony Hill Inn, located in Bethel, CT.

From organic wines and beers to hybrid cars, to education on alternate energy sources and new ideas and concepts with a green-mindset---the event certainly opened your eyes to the realities of what you can do to be green.  

I95's morning show crew/celebrities--Ethan Carey, Lou Milano and Lisa Harris were there to help support the cause>

Special thanks to Ethan Carey and Cathy Moore, for asking me to be a part of this event! 


~ Ethan James and yours truly performed on I95 WRKI, 95.1 FM, for the morning show with Ethan & Lou.  We were there to promote a Monthly Musicians Showcase held at the Georgetown Saloon. 

It went really well---as did the showcase later that evening.  A big thank you to Ethan and Lou, as well as to everyone who came down to support us that night.


~ On Sunday night, March 9th, I had the honor of performing at the The Ridgefield Playhouse.  I was the opening act for John Waite- British rocker and former lead singer of both “The Babys” and “Bad English." 

He brought his unique and powerful sound to The Playhouse stage for the first time.  He's known for hits songs like "Missing You," "Change," "When I See You Smile" and many more! 

Then, on Saturday night, March 22nd, I returned to
The Ridgefield Playhouse as the opening act for 
The Temptations.  This legendary band is known for so many outstanding songs---where should I begin?  What an amazing night.  I had a great dinner with them.  We talked about the business and just enjoyed the vibe- then I took the stage.  The sound crew did a fantastic job on the mix. 
The crowd was very attentive and supportive.  It will be a night to remember.

Special thanks to Allison Stockel, the Executive Director; for offering up these exciting opportunities.


~ On Tuesday, December 11th. from 12:00pm-1:00pm, I was part of a wonderful event.  Neil Hedley asked me to perform live for The Largest Local Fundraising Event In The History of Internet Radio- It ran from November 26 thru December 14. 

The benefit helped to raise money for the United Way of Western Connecticut.  Neil asked a number of local artists to play live on the air and I am grateful to have been one of them.  To learn more about this event called, Guy In The Sky, as well as other charitable projects Neil has created, please click here.

Special thanks to Neil, Peter Delloro of PD Productions and David Deschnes of the United Way, for having me be a part of this wonderful event!  Please click on this link for a pic and brief follow-up to my appearance at this fine event.

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