Music Connected Us All at the CCM American Roots Benefit

We had the perfect combination that guaranteed fun while supporting the Concord Conservatory of Music—Barbecue, the best bluegrass music, an amazing bourbon tasting, and of course our friends of CCM. On Saturday, March 30th, enthusiastic CCM supporters gathered for our annual fundraiser, the CCM American Roots Benefit. Held at the historic Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden in the heart of Concord center, the Benefit raised more than $82,000 to support CCM and music education in our community.

CCM faculty member Ian Goldstein kicked things off with a short and animated bluegrass piece. Great music continued throughout the evening. The student Rock Lab group, Anarchy in a Jar, rocked 51 Walden with their take on the Foreigner’s classic Cold as Ice and Queen’s We Will Rock You. You could see on their faces how proud they were of their performance. CCM instructor Phil Sargent made sure bandmates Stella Connolly, Jason Gee, Jr., James Goar, Max Johnson, and Anthony Valeri worked together and prepared for their performance. The students realized that all the hard work and group rehearsals it took for them to get ready paid off. Rock Lab is one way CCM provides students a chance to play with other young musicians and gain a priceless and rewarding teamwork experience.

The performances by Rock Lab and two of our young violinists showcased the students’ musical talents, as well as the poise and self-confidence they develop from learning an instrument and performing. Guests also thoroughly enjoyed the music of Twisted Pine, an acclaimed bluegrass band from New England. Their energetic and driving rhythms filled the room—a musical treat for all.

Auctioneer Kathy Kingston, with humor and wit, led the exciting live auction and the crucial Fund-A-Future. The focus was on helping CCM continue to provide accessible music education in our community. To set the tone, Kingston started by auctioning off a pair of used CCM drumsticks. It worked! CCM parents battled it out and the winning bidder bought them for $550 - all in the spirit of supporting CCM. With the party buzzing and energy high, the auction cruised. Attendees bid on everything from a premiere V.I.P. Red Sox experience for enthusiastic sports fans, to an amazing limited-edition bottle of Rip Van Winkle Bourbon, which the bourbon aficionados greatly appreciated. The funds raised help us broaden our programming, strengthen our fiscal position, and grant financial assistance to those who need our help. Every year, the CCM Financial Assistance Fund provides musical opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities throughout Concord and 15 surrounding towns.

CCM Benefit attendees enthusiastically raised their bid numbers when Kingston presented the Fund-A-Future moment—when they can specifically help provide financial assistance to CCM students. Dedicated CCM parents Leny Grott and Gustavo Quintero have two daughters who take lessons at CCM. Grott spoke on what CCM and the Fund-A-Future program mean to their family, saying, “The Concord Conservatory of Music has taught our children to work hard, practice, and have passion for what they learn.” Grott explained how their children and many others enjoy a music education, thanks in large part to the American Roots Benefit and other generous donations that provide financial aid to students at CCM every year. “Music is a gift to be cherished and should not be a privilege for the lucky few” said Grott. She also shared a special moment she had when her daughter, who is learning Spanish, told her, “I can read English, Spanish, and music; now I can communicate with the whole world.” Success! Music is connecting her daughter to others in ways just words cannot do.

Special thanks go to CCM faculty member Ian Goldstein, the evening’s emcee, plus our Rhythm Sponsor Enterprise Bank, as well as our Music Supporter sponsors, Cambridge Savings Bank, The Monument Group Companies, and PEAK Event Services. We are grateful to the many volunteers who made the evening possible, from the Benefit Committee to the student volunteers.