Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By Dan Cooper Staff Intern CHICOPEE- On March 25, the Hu Ke Lau will host a special "Tribute to Great Legends" show to benefit the Chicopee and Chicopee Comprehensive High School bands. Scheduled to perform at the benefit concert are Charlie Lask as Neil Diamond; Donna Lee as Patsy Cline; Atoa Ripley as Tom Jones; Rick Larrimore as Rod Stewart; and Ray Guilmette as A-Ray-of Elvis. The event will also feature local singer Jimmy Mazz. "Mayor Michael Bissonette is our master of ceremonies for the evening," Hu Ke Lau music director and event organizer Joe Pereira told Reminder Publications. "We did a show like this last March for the Boys and Girls Club here in Chicopee," Pereira said. "We raised $2,100 for them. This year we'd like to raise $2,000 and give each band $1,000." Pereira said one reason for the show is because it is tough to raise money locally. "When you get certain amount of people together, it makes sense to me to help a group out," he said. "We try to raise money for children, because that's really what it's all about." Pereira said music for all performers will be provided by the Western Massachusetts All-Star Band. "There is no recorded music used," he added. Pereira said he works with all of the performers, which is one reason he decided to bring them together. "They all have a great time and enjoy doing the show," he said. "This is the type of show you'd see in Las Vegas," he said. "The quality of all the performers is impressive." Pereira said the show is on a Sunday night because of the Hu Ke Lau's Saturday night schedule. "They run their Polynesian show and the Comedy Connection on Saturdays, so we wouldn't have been able to get on stage until 10 p.m.," Pereira said. "We're hoping people go to this show because tickets are a bargain for the type of concert this is," he said. "There are 200 tickets or so available. "They will be sold at the door as well, though I don't advise that," Pereira said. "They may be sold out by then." The show starts at 6:30 with 5 p.m. seating. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through the Hu Ke Lau by calling 593-5222. |