FAIRFIELD, CONN. -- On Dec. 6, a fundraising concert will be held at FTC Stage One in Fairfield to benefit Harmony4kidz, a charity that enriches the lives of children via the power of music.
The concert will take place at 12 p.m. The cost of tickets is $20 online or $22.50 at the door. All proceeds will be donated to the charity.
Founded by acoustic guitarist/folk singer Irena Hart (Fairfield), Harmony4kidz presents opportunities for at-risk youths to learn -- and thrive -- in the world of music.
For the past two years, Harmony4kidz has been providing services to teens living in a group home managed by Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program (GBAPP).
“Working with the GBAPP teens has been very fruitful,” reports Hart. “These kids have enjoyed art, pottery and jewelry-making workshops at The Studio in Sportsplex . Also, they are taking weekly music lessons.”
Hart describes how Harmony4kidz has helped one teen, in particular. “Jessica Bisonette, 19, has been the recipient of weekly saxophone lessons for the past year. In September 2014, she performed at Harmony4kidz 8th annual Peace Concert with a saxophone that she now owns. Jessica is a perfect example of what music can do for one young person.”
The GBAPP partnership with Harmony4kidz is win-win, notes Rudy Feudo, executive director of GBAPP. "We work with some really talented kids, who don't have the resources to purchase their own instruments or have their music recorded professionally," he says. "Irena is offering her time and expertise to work with these youths. She is committed to raising money that will impact their lives. I see this as a great marriage."
“This is a very exciting opportunity for Harmony4kidz to make a bigger impact in our community,” says Hart. “So far the children are really enjoying the weekly workshops.”
Performing at this show will be Valiante Hart and The Uncommon Nightcrawlers.
To purchase tickets online, visit https://fairfieldtheatre.org/shows/valiante-hart-uncommon-night-crawlers. FTC can be reached by phone at 203.259.1036
About Valiante Hart: Engaging and rootsy, this is an all-original Folk/Americana five-piece band that delivers a very unique sound with songs that will captivate the audience and take them on a magical journey. A Valiante Hart show is an experience that will move and inspire all music enthusiasts. The band's musical perspectives are woven into Americana cloth with a bit of Ukrainian gypsy flair. Members: Irena Hart - Guitar & Vocals, Glenn Behrle -Mandolin, Guitar, Banjo & Vocals, Louise Whelan - Violin, Gabriel Marin on percussion, John Jarvis - Bass.
About Uncommon Night Crawlers: Inhabiting the space where Old-Time String Band Music meets the 21st century. Band members are Irena Hart (Guitar & Vocals), Glenn Behrle (Lots of Instruments), Louise Whelan (Fiddle) and Marisa Sheppard (Wash Tub Bass).