Artists and Audience Give Generously at Benefit Concert for Puerto Rico

May 27, 2018 by David K. Moseder

First Acoustics Tenth Anniv Puerto Rico Benefit 5-19-18

Carolann Solebello Performs / photo by Fred Volkert

More than two dozen performers, half of them Brooklyn-based artists, donated their time and talent on Saturday night, May 19, 2018, for “A Benefit for the People of Puerto Rico.” It was hosted by First Acoustics’ at First Unitarian Church in Brooklyn Heights under the aegis of Coco and Bruce Wilde.

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Bev Grant Plays Acoustic / photo by Fred Volkert

Afro-roots musician Kevin Nathaniel, accompanying himself on the mbira and lighting up the stage with his smile, delivered the keynote song, “A Healing for the World.” Within moments he had the audience singing along to the refrain, “We’re all in this together.” Carolann Solebello and Catherine Miles followed with heartfelt rendition of Carol Burnett’s signature song, “I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together” and Solebello’s lyrically rich adaptation of “Motherless Child.”

Lest anyone lost sight of why this concert was being staged, José Joaquin Garcia and his “rock ‘n’ roll neoyorquino band,” Rubi, sang an impassioned, conga-driven plea for Puerto Rico. You didn’t have to know a word of Spanish to be moved by their performance.

José Joaquin Garcia’s Plea for Puerto Rico / photo by Fred Volkert

Bev Grant, who organized the concert with David Buskin, teamed with her Human Condition bandmate Frank Negron on “Morir Vivir”(“Dying to Live”) and, with the Brooklyn Women’s Chorus, performed Jean Rohe’s “National Anthem: Arise! Arise!,” Jackson Browne’s “Lives in the Balance” and her own song, “Together We Can Move Mountains.”

Other highlights included Pat Wictor’s apropos cover of Phil Ochs’ “There but for Fortune”; Greg Greenway’s take on – and embellishment of – U2’s “In the Name of Love”; and the marvelous Lindsey Wilson & the Human Hearts Trio’s moving “What Are We Doing for the Children.” Rounding out the show were songs from Tom Prasada-Roa, Sophie Buskin, and Buskin & Batteau with percussionist Marshal Aaron Rosenberg.

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Michael Trotman and Lindsey Wilson -Two Thirds of The Human Hearts Trio/ photo by Fred Volkert

Garcia, Nathaniel, and Stanley John Mitchell led the entire ensemble in a rousing clap-along finale with dancing in the aisles to the lively Latin rhythms and beats. There was much cause for celebration – the benefit raised more than $5,000 for Casa Pueblo’s rebuilding efforts in Puerto Rico.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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