Concert to help with soup kitchen building

Date: 7/14/2009

By Amanda Lemon

Staff Intern



CHICOPEE -- Scrape together $10, grab a canned good, and head out for a night of music and fun.

On Aug 6 at 7 p.m., Lorraine's Soup Kitchen will be hosting a concert at Bellamy Middle School to raise funds for the construction of the new facility on Meadow Street.

Lorraine Houle, founder of the soup kitchen, said the project still requires about $75,000. All proceeds from the event will go towards paying for the building.

Kicking off the evening will be Dan Daniels and Your No Good Buddies [YNGB], a self-described "super energetic bunch of old geezers." They have made several charity-minded trips to Western Massachusetts in the last few years, including performances at Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk at Stanely Park in Westfield for four years and last year's Cancer Walk Marathon in Springfield.

Dan Daniels and YNGB draws inspiration from such artists as Willie Nelson, CCR, and The Beatles, on top of which they add custom lyrics to create a unique "Americana roots-rock" style.

"We hope to have a good time and to share our musical vision with a new audience," Daniels said of the event.

Following Dan Daniels and YNGB will be Rob Zapulla, who will be performing a collection of Frank Sinatra classics. He has performed across the United States in a number of venues, from clubs to symphonies to casinos.

The Hartford Courant hailed Zapulla in a performance review, declaring "he has an engaging presence and a hard-charging band that puts a smile on your face and bounce to your step."

Finally, to conclude the evening will be Jimmy Mazz and famed Elvis impersonator Ray Guillemette, performing a Rat Pack-inspired duo.

Known as The Vegas 3 when joined by friend Patrick Tobin, Guillemette and Mazz are both widely acclaimed performers in their field.

Guillemette is a nine-time, internationally ranked first place Elvis impersonator who has taken his act all across North America.

Marion Cocke, producer and director of the Elvis Presley Memorial Dinner Charity Event, at which he performed, applauded Guillemette's talents.

"I have found Ray's performance to be the most entertaining and his presentation is done with style, as well as in good taste," she exclaimed. "I am hard to please and I invite only the best!"

Guillemette's partner for the evening, Mazz, is no less celebrated. Having begun his singing career at the tender age of 14, he has shared his vocals with numerous bands over the years as a front man.

"When Jimmy starts singing people pause to find the source of the smooth, wonderful voice," reporter Tom Shea of The Republican said.

The evening is being sponsored by the Massachusetts and Chicopee Cultural Councils, with the Knights of Columbus coordinating the food drive for the event. Tickets may be purchased at Lorraine's Soup Kitchen, located at 35 Center St.