Musicians to join fight against cancer

Date: 11/3/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



AGAWAM -- Musicians from across the state will do their part to fight cancer one song at a time during a benefit to support Rays of Hope and the Dana Farber Prostate Cancer Center.

Bob Casinghino, musician and event organizer, told Reminder Publications he was inspired to create the Musicians Against Cancer benefit on Nov. 8 in honor of a friend who was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer two months ago. He added his inspiration also manifested into a song he's written titled "We Walk Together" in honor of Rays of Hope and those fighting breast cancer.

According to a representative from Baystate Medical Center, "We Walk Together" is being considered for use in their 2010 Rays of Hope promotional campaign.

"The musical community in the Western Mass. area is really a tight-knit community," Casinghino explained. "We all support each other and when you put something [together such as this benefit] they're out there to help support [it]."

Casinghino noted his inspiration has also stemmed from his mother-in-law's battle with breast cancer and his wife's struggle with ovarian cancer.

Musicians Against Cancer will feature 10 bands including Mazztone, Peter Newland of FAT, Adult Swim, the John Cantalini Band, Janet Ryan, Mark Nomad, Britt Sawdon, Show Biz Kids, Christina Cantalini and the Kings.

"We all know someone who has been affected by cancer ... this will be a special night for people coming together for a great cause," Sawdon, solo artist and vocalist on "We Walk Together," said.

She added she agreed to lend her vocals to the song because of the music's ability to move people toward progress.

"Just for the cause, I would have done it anyway but he [Casinghino] has a knack for writing songs that are poignant but still musical," Sawdon said.

The Musicians Against Cancer benefit will take place at Theodore's, 201 Worthington St., Springfield on Nov. 8 from 4 to 10 p.m. Tickets for the show require a $10 donation and can be made by contacting Casinghino at 427-9528 or papackeys@gmail.com.

New Alliance Bank is also accepting donations for the cause. Donations may be mailed to Musicians Against Cancer, c/o New Alliance Bank, 5 North Westfield St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030.