Musicians Collaborate to Help Their Own

Local musicians took the stage Sunday afternoon for a common cause - to help their fellow musicians. 

The nonprofit Southern New England Musicians’ Fund held a five-hour benefit at The Maple Tree Cafe in Simsbury to assist musicians with healthcare and other related costs.

The line up included the talent of roughly 30 to 40 musicians in front of a large crowd of supporters. 

James Whittemore spearheaded the nonprofit in 2010, with the mission of raising funds through musical events to help support and assist needy musicians in southern New England.

He said the musicians who donated their time on Sunday ordinarily play at different locations, as opposed to together in one venue.

SNEMF volunteer committee member Gail Reiner said this collaboration is the really exciting part of this event.

“Put a whole bunch of musicians together in one room, a lot of great stuff is going to happen,” she said. 

Ricky Marshall has been playing for roughly 40 years in the Connecticut area, and performed Sunday afternoon alongside Bob Laramie and Frank Varela. The trio make up The VLM Project. 

“It’s a great cause because they dedicate their life to the art form,” he said. “I’m more than honored and willing to do this.”

Marshall said the profession pays him spiritually when it doesn't pay the bills.

Varela said it is always good to support the community of musicians which he likened to a brotherhood.

Laramie agreed. 

“We’re all like a family,” he said. 

Danny Kortchmar pointed out that it’s necessary for people to take care of themselves, regardless of their background or job.

“It is important for people to take care of themselves, in every level and every profession,” he said. “Anything that helps musicians, I’m in favor of.” 

For the first time, the benefit featured a silent auction. So far, the organization has hosted two fundraisers, which took place last year. This was the first for 2011.

Reiner said one of the most poignant items included in the auction was the 'Rob Fried package.' It included a 1990 Max Creek poster signed by band members, a 1974 signed drawing by Fried and a homemade shekere.

"They drew a huge following for 30 or 40 years," she said. 

In addition to the funds raised from ticket sales and the auction, The Maple Tree Cafe owner Dino Filippopoulos donated a percentage of the sales from the afternoon to the organization. 

So far all of the benefits that SNEMF has hosted have been at this location, and Reiner said the group appreciates the support from Filippopoulos.  

The next benefit will take place on Oct. 16, again at the Maple Tree Cafe. 

For more information on future benefits, becoming a volunteer or donations, contact SNEMF1@gmail.com.