They can play.
Music will echo through the Berkshire Hills this weekend, as local musicians join together to raise money to help victims of the September 11 terrorism attack.
Two all-day jams will take place on Sunday, bringing a total of 18 local bands to stages at Bucksteep Manor in Washington and at Gringo's in North Adams.
It is a colossal display of musical talent and community spirit. Not only are the musicians donating their time and talent, both clubs are donating bar proceeds to the event, printing and media companies helped with promotions, sound men & support crews are contributing as well.
Band together
The "Berkshire Musicians Unite" concert at Bucksteep Manor begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday (the gates open at noon). The lineup features a number of well-established acts, including The Dooley Austin Band, Rev Tor Band, Suitcase, Tamboura, Robby Baeir, Jeff Martell, Meg Hutchinson, The Ravin' Mavens, Adam Rothberg, Beartown Mountain Ramblers, Sammy Brown & Wildwood and Joel Sturz.
Tor Krautter of the Reverend Tor Band, who organized the jam, says he had no problem convincing musicians to participate; in fact, more bands volunteered for the show than could fit on the bill.
"I was contacted by Bucksteep Manor and they asked if I would put something together," Krautter recalls. "Under the circumstances, I was glad to help out."
In the wake of the horrific events of September 11, Americans everywhere are seeking ways to help the victims, to do something proactive. Musicians have a gift that can not only be uplifting during troubled times, but also can rally others for the cause.
Since the attack, several large-scale concerts have been organized, with acts such as Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney participating. A telethon style fundraiser concert featured not only top musical acts but also movie stars.
Performers may not be able to physically assist in the recovery effort or fight terrorism, but they can play.
"I think that's why everyone across the board wanted to help," Krautter says. "We have absolutely no overhead; pretty much everything was donated. In a situation like this, everybody wants to do what they can to help."
Lee Everett of Tamboura is looking forward to the show. "I think it's for a really good cause," he said. "It's just something we can do in a small way to help."
Everett says that Berkshire musicians have shown their spirit many times in the past. Contributing to the community, he added, is a Berkshire musical tradition, noting the Arlo Guthrie Foundation often sponsors benefit shows.
"There's a real consciousness among the musicians around here," he said. "There have been quite a few benefit shows, sometimes grassroots efforts where people's houses have burned down or something like that, and they tend to draw good crowds."
Tickets for the Bucksteep show are $10, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Rockin' the House at Gringo's
In North County, Gringo's will host a benefit on Sunday, featuring five local bands: The Brave Brothers (featuring both past & present members), Smart A**, Crazy Annie, Spoodge and Wender.
Gringo's owner Dave Nicholas said that when band members approached him regarding a benefit show he was thrilled to help. "I was happy to do it," Nicholas said. "I was hoping to find some way that we could contribute."
Nicholas noted that all of the bands are donating their time, and that several local businesses helped with supplies and promotions. All of the bar profits will also be donated.
The concert will begin at 2 p.m. and continue throughout the day and into the evening. Tickets are $10, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Brave Brothers lead singer "Red" said that the benefit concert idea emerged soon after the September 11 attack. "The first weekend after the World Trade Center collapse we were sitting and talking about it during break," she recalls. "Within two days, we had a location, all the bands and free advertising. Everybody just pitched in and helped."
Red noted that a sometimes intense rivalry exists among local bands, but the rivalry is put aside when the cause is more important.
"Whenever something happens we kind of all come together," she said. "It's kind of like a big family."
Red has been with the Brave Brothers band, for nearly 12 years. Sunday's gig, she noted, will be a special one. "Personally," she said, "I'm very much looking forward to it."
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Winter Storm Warning Issued for Berkshires
Another snowstorm is expected to move through the region overnight on Friday, bringing 5 to 8 inches of snow. This is updated from Thursday's winter weather advisory.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has posted a winter storm warning for all of Berkshire County and parts of eastern New York State beginning Friday at 4 p.m. through Saturday at 1 p.m.
The region could see heavy to moderate snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight, tapering off Saturday morning to flurries.
Drivers should exercise caution on Friday night and Saturday morning, as travel conditions may be hazardous.
Saturday night should be clear and calm, but warming temperatures means freezing rain Sunday night and rain through Monday with highs in the 40s. The forecast isn't much better through the week as temperatures dip back into the teens with New Year's Eve looking cloudy and frigid.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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