Newton couple to be honored at 26th annual “Rock the House” fundraiser on April 30th

Newton couple Janet and Ted Kuklinski have witnessed firsthand the power that music can have in restoring peoples’ souls, and the two will be honored at The Boston Minstrel’s fundraiser on April 30^th for their 25-year commitment to the group. Married for 33 years, the Kuklinski’s have been volunteering with The Boston Minstrels together for most of their marriage, travelling to various homeless shelters around the Boston metro area, putting on interactive songfests and inspiring the residents to become the center of the show. Once a month, the Minstrels hold rehearsal sessions within the beautiful function space generously provided by Newton’s United Parish of Auburndale, and the group performs over 60 gigs a year.

Lead singer Tim McHale, of Brighton, founded the now over 100-member volunteer group in 1991.

“Tim is a tremendous factor in making these gigs work magic,” said Ted Kuklinski. “Not only is he a talented musician, but he really encourages people to sing and makes them feel comfortable doing it."

Janet and Ted are not particularly musically talented, however, but that’s what they love most about the group; the Minstrels are not performers, and that’s not their goal. It’s to inspire and make the residents shine, even through the darkness they may be facing, and help them heal as they maneuver through their current stage of life.

In addition to singing with the group, the Kuklinskis have played a role in the growth of the Minstrels. Ted is a choir member at Our Lady Help of Christians in Newton, from where he has recruited some members, and Janet has worked to spread the word amongst friends, co-workers and well-connected people in the community.

“I think everybody likes to sing, especially when the pressure isn’t there,” said Janet Kuklinski. “At first, we were a little hesitant to go to an actual gig at a shelter but once we went, it was a magical thing that happened. We’ve become a society who listens to music but it’s not such a participatory thing anymore. The Minstrels are a wonderful outlet for anybody who could use some sort of musical activity, and help others at the same time.”

The Kuklinski’s look forward to the annual “Rock the House” fundraiser each year because it’s an opportunity for all the members of the group to come together to sing and dance. The event is open to the public and will take place on Sunday, April 30^th, at the American Legion Post 440 in Newton beginning at 3:00pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.bostonminstrel.org