Photo and stories by Chris Spiewak
It can never be said that the musicians of the Jersey Shore are not a philanthropic community. Dozens of times each year they are called upon to help raise funds and awareness for a multitude of organizations, or to perhaps even help one of their own to fight, or recover from, a health or financial issue. In every case and at every event, they will arrive smiling and prepared at the highest level to perform as if it were a paying gig.
This philanthropy was demonstrated once again as several of the shore area’s finest female vocalists were invited to participate in the 4th annual Women of Song event, to benefit the Amanda’s Easel program of the 180 Turning Lives Around organization. This event, initiated by Maxine Snow and Helen Chantal Pike in 2011, features poetry reading and art displays as well, and is held in October to highlight Domestic Violence Awareness month. The 180 Turning Lives Around group (www.180nj.org), established in 1976, provides support to battered and abused women and their families with various programs such as rape and domestic violence counseling, and “safe home” facilities for those victims unable to return home after an incident; they are the only agency to offer 24/7 assistance with such cases in Monmouth County. Their Amanda’s Easel Creative Arts Therapy program provides assistance for children from ages 4 to 14 who may have had domestic issues in their homes. Amanda’s Easel is named in honor of Amanda Wengert of Manalapan, who, at age 6, tragically lost her life at the hands of a neighbor in 1994. The 180 organization works extraordinarily hard to help these senseless crimes come to a stop. Dealing with issues of this magnitude is terribly difficult and the board and staff of 180 should be commended for the fantastic work that they do.
The Women’s Club of Asbury Park in Ocean Township was this years setting on Oct. 26, with nearly 100 people gathering on a beautiful autumn afternoon to enjoy these singers and songwriters. With the emphasis on original music, these talented ladies did not disappoint. Opening the show was the very talented Elaine Orzechowski, performing solo with her guitar, and just weeks after shoulder surgery! Elaine had every excuse to stay home, or to sit in the audience, but she got up on stage and gave it her all, which just happened to be quite wonderful. Sandra Huth arrived with band in tow, with Jim Ferrante on guitar, yours truly on bass and Don Rispoli on the cajón. Sounding as good as ever, Sandra impressed with a new original composition in her set entitled “Miracle of You,” finished just days before the show. The lovely Samantha D’Arienzo followed, playing keyboards with her favorite musician, Will Ruland, who split time between the guitar and his amazing homemade cajón. Somehow they made a duo sound like a trio or quartet, creating a full, resonant sound.
A very impressive young woman then took the stage, and she is impressive for more than one reason. Courtney McManus was once a victim of a violent act and has been through the 180 program herself. She is a survivor, however, and as difficult as life has been for her, she has fought back and continues to fight back and continues to help others who have been through similar circumstances. With Mr. Lou Borella on guitar, Courtney electrified the crowd with a great performance encompassing material from her album entitled “Eyes Wide Open,” and finished to a standing ovation. An accomplished songwriter, Courtney has worked with some talented writers and producers, and she is well on her way to bigger and better things.
Following McManus, Candace Schur stepped up to the mic. Candace is a quiet, soft-spoken young lady, that is, until she straps on her guitar; powerful chords and a beautiful voice belie the shy aura she presents. She was very much “in charge” on stage, performing her wonderful songs effortlessly, and keeping the crowd well entertained in between her numbers.
Next up was the popular and multitalented Dawn Hopkins, who put down her professional billiard cue for the evening and picked up her acoustic guitar to entertain us with some very beautiful music. Dawn is a local favorite, and always a crowd pleaser; she even chose to sit down on the edge of the stage for her short set, for that up close and personal experience, much to the delight of those in the first few rows!
Closing out the night was a young woman whose future in the music industry is very bright, and who seemingly works more dates than some professional musicians, even though she is not yet 20 years of age. Taylor Tote took the stage with two of her regular bandmates, Tom Briant on guitar and drummer extraordinaire Anthony Flora on the congas. Taylor continues to grow as a musician, and is developing her songwriting skills as well; a four-song EP is currently in production, with a tentative release date of Feb. 2015.
Interspersed throughout the night were beautiful and, at times, very powerful readings from poets Libby Schoenewolf, Linette Reeman and Grace Cooley; several craft displays were very nicely done, alongside the beautiful art of Michelle Renee Bernard. Event coordinator Maxine Snow was on the top of her game this night with the show going off in superb fashion and without a hitch; Ms. Jodi Dash assisted as well, as she does at many 180 functions, and Amanda’s Easel Program Coordinator Cindi Westendorf was available to answer any questions about the organization, and to express thanks to all who donated their time, money or both. Special thanks to Jim Ferrante for donating the sound system equipment, and to Gary Wright, who put down the guitar this day to run the sound board, and helped make everyone sound great. Kudos to a fantastic organization doing fantastic work; in a perfect world, they would not be in business, but in our imperfect world, they do indeed help turn lives around.
Chris Spiewak is currently the bassist for Rock/Blues cover band VyntEdge.
