Concerts to Aid Bridge the Gap

This week there are a couple benefit concerts to help push the Bridge the Gap fundraising effort through its final week.

The effort, which has raised close to $300,000 has just one week to make its goal of $1 million. The campaign ends on June 7.

This week, there will be two benefit concerts, the first on Thursday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Arlington High School auditorium, will feature the Tom Ferrante Swing Band --12 of experienced jazz musicians playing the best music of the Big Band Era.

"We are doing stuff in the same style as the big bands, but different tunes," said Ferrante, a 15-year resident of Arlington whose 13-year-old daughter is a student at Ottoson Middle School. 

Ferrante, who taught band at Waltham High School, said music education is critical. "We want to help to prevent enormous cuts in the teaching faculty," he said. "I know how devastating that can be."

Over the years, music has been Ferrante's career and also even a matchmaker. He met his wife – a professional piccolo and flute player – while playing John Williams music for the pops in the 1980's and 90's.

"I loved music, I love playing.  If I had not had the education I had, I would not have been able to pursue it this way," Ferrante said.

In addition to the Tom Ferrante Swing Band, there is another concert on June 6 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The "Bridge the Gap Music Variety Concert" will include performances by the Ottoson Middle School Chorus – "a unique quartet comprised of Kevin Greeley (selectmen), Joe Curro (School Committee Chair), Tim Ruggere (Ottoson Principal), and Charlie Skidmore (High School Principal)" as well as School Committee Member Judson Pierce's band Trial Run and more.

Both concerts will not charge admission, but will accept donations to the fund.

As for Thursday's concert, Ferrante said to expect to have fun. "People who have nostalgia for this kind of music always come and go away happy," he said.

"If people want to get up in the aisles and dance, it's ok with me."