A Night of Music and a Big Heart

On August 20th, the Latin/American style of the Santa mamba Band provided the final night of music for the summer series of "Music on the River" in East Haddam.  The musicians who comr from various backgrounds have created a sound they call Latin Roots Rock.  And the night did rock, with the audience swaying and dancing to the salsa-like rhythms of this seven-member band who proclaims "Our chief ambition is to get the whole world dancing."

Along with the upbeat sounds from the band, there was an upbeat atmosphere that showed the big heart of the community.  Iso Dedusaj, proprietor of the Gelston House, generously donated 100% of the sales from the outdoor grill to help the family of Jake Shumbo, who is recovering from a snowboarding accident.  Alongside Iso at the grill was Iso's son, Danny, and East Haddam resident and candidate for the 34th House District, Melissa Hoy Ziobron, was on hand to help serve the many customers who supported this fund-raiser.

Music on the River is open to all and the concerts are funded completely through donations.  The East Haddam Park and Recreation Commission, Director Tiffany Quinn and her staff of volunteers coordinated a memorable series of Monday night concerts.  The weather was perfect every Monday!

The sunset against the backdrop of the Goodspeed Opera House and the Swing Bridge over the Connecticut River brought to a close a season of misical evening to remember in a town with a big heart.

Many thanks to everyone that made donations to support Jake and a special thank you to Iso Dedusaj for contributing the grill proceeds and to Melissa Hoy Ziobron for pulling the fund-raiser together with Iso!

Sincere thanks and gratitude,

The Family of Jake Shumbo