Musician channels talent into 'tunes 4 charity'

Date: 4/20/2010

April 21, 2010.

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent



GRANBY -- Dave Engelbrecht has struck a chord with area families and organizations through a unique free service he offers.

Engelbrecht is known as the "Tunes 4 Charity" guy at the Riverside Caf in South Hadley where he plays at least one Friday evening a month. His upcoming charity nights are on May 7 and June 4 from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Peter Malapanis, owner of Riverside Caf , is supportive of Engelbrecht's efforts to help others.

"It's always a good idea to help contribute to those charities that are trying to find cures," said Malapanis during a recent interview with Reminder Publications.

As Malapanis and Engelbrecht conferred on upcoming charity nights, Engelbrecht's passion for helping others is evident.

"It's a wonderful feeling to help others," he said.

By day, Engelbrecht is the Lifeline Coordinator through Mercy Home Care in Holyoke, and in the evenings, he gives freely of his time providing free entertainment for charitable causes.

His family is supportive of his efforts.

"I get great support from my wife and daughters and friends," Engelbrecht said. "My family supports my interest in my desire to help others. They also help with suggestions on songs to play, as well as ideas to make an evening interesting for the audience."

Last fall, Tunes 4 Charity came to fruition when a friend of Engelbrecht's lost his mother to cancer after a 12-year battle.

"I played three dates to raise money for the Rays of Hope in memory of Ryan Gustafson's mother, Christine O'Neill," Engelbrecht said.

Ryan Gustafson of South Hadley noted during an interview that Engelbrecht's commitment to not only raise funds for local charities but to also help others heal is commendable.

"The events make you feel good, as friends and family come out to show their support," Gustafson said.

Gustafson said the evenings, though difficult because of his mom's passing, helped him to heal a bit since everyone who attended shared fond memories being with his mother.

Engelbrecht has been playing acoustic guitar for more than 30 years and performs a vast array of songs beginning with '50s music. He considers his style of singing to be classic rock/folk. On many occasions, South Hadley resident Dan Pease from Dan Pease and the Regulators will join him on guitar, and Nancy McCormick of Agawam provides vocals.

"I always enjoy having people sit in to play because it adds an element such as a second guitar or another voice to be able to play a larger variety of songs," Engelbrecht said.

Engelbrecht added that people come out to have fun and to support and help others they don't always know.

"It's from the heart," he added.

Since Tunes 4 Charity was launched last fall, Engelbrecht has provided entertainment for several local organizations, including bringing gifts and singing songs to children at Brightside for Families and Children in West Springfield on Christmas morning.

"I couldn't do it without the help of my family, friends and co-workers, Engelbrecht said. "If I can make a difference by doing something I feel strongly about, then I need to do it as much as I can."

Engelbrecht's Tunes 4 Charity is available for all kinds of events -- during the week or on weekends -- at venues across the Pioneer Valley. In addition to fundraising efforts by the individuals coordinating the event's logistics, Engelbrecht also sells T-shirts with his logo and a portion of the proceeds raised benefits that fundraiser.

"The event I play at does not have to be a non-profit organization," he added.

What started out as a single event to celebrate the life of a friend's mother has blossomed into a cause to reach out and help others across the region.

For more information, contact Engelbrecht via Facebook or e-mail him at tunes4charity@yahoo.com.