Community Music School to host spring benefit
Date: 5/10/2010
SPRINGFIELD On May 19, the Community Music School of Springfield (CMSS) will host its Annual Spring Benefit and Auction. The evening, which features fabulous music by the legendary Avery Sharpe Trio, following a live auction of a limited number of opportunities and merchandise will begin at 5:30 p.m. at CMSS in Robyn Newhouse Hall.
Guests will begin the evening with wines and beers from Whole Foods Markets and enjoy international hors d'oeuvres prepared by Alexander's Catering. A silent auction of 50 items including tickets to theater, music festivals, home decorating items, spa services, handmade jewelry and original artwork will be on view for bidding throughout the cocktail hour.
Planning the 7th Annual Spring Benefit for the Community Music School of Springfield are (front) event co-chair Harlene Ginsberg and Jayne Gill, (rear) co-chair Eileen McCaffery-Cuda and Jackie Keady, all of Longmeadow. The evening will take place May 19 in Robyn Newhouse Hall at CMSS.
Bill Firestone will serve as auctioneer for the "Going for a Song" live auction which features an array of items for all ages. Among the items on the auction block are lunch in New York City with the star of Academy Award Best Picture nominee Peter Sarsgaard; a week's use of a condo in Aspen; a private gallery tour of Chelsea neighborhood art galleries in New York with a noted fashion photographer and painter; a pair of box seats to the Red Sox game on July 2; a shopping trek to the hidden designer resources of NYC; a scenic plane ride for two over the Pioneer Valley; a getaway to the Equinox Resort; use of vacation homes; and much more.
Immediately following the live auction, the Avery Sharpe Trio with vocalist Jeri Brown will take center stage in Robyn Newhouse Hall for an unforgettable concert. The trio includes Avery Sharpe on bass, Onaje Allan Gumbs on piano and Winard Harper on drums. With more than 90 years of collective professional musical experience, the trio is one of the best known jazz trios performing today. In addition, each member has performed, toured or recorded with the most notable jazz artists alive after 1975.
Jeri Brown has been hailed as one of the 50 best jazz vocalists of all time. For a sneak preview of the trio's sound or Brown's vocals, please refer to the Music School's Web site (
www.communitymusicschool.com) and click on the link on the Event Tickets page.
All proceeds from the event provide music scholarships for children which are more important than ever as families struggle to provide study opportunities for their children. Scholarships reduce the tuition for families, based on a sliding scale. At the current time, CMSS has more than 50 families on the financial aid waiting list, ready to have their children begin lessons.
Valet parking will be available at the State Street entrance to the Music School at 127 State St.
The Scuderi Group will again underwrite this very special benefit event for the Community Music School.
Planning Committee members include co-chairs Eileen McCaffery Cuda and Harlene Ginsberg, assisted by Jayne Gill and Jackie Keady, all of Longmeadow.
Tickets are $40 per person, or $75 per couple. Please reserve tickets prior to May 10. For additional information, please contact the Community Music School of Springfield at 732-8428.
