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Seldovians showed up in droves for the Boys & Girls Club Dinner and Music Jam last Friday night. It was a packed house as folks gathered for a great dinner and live music. The event was a fundraiser and we brought in more than $4,500 in dinner tickets, pottery sales, donations and pledges. Thanks, Seldovia, for your outstanding support of our B&G!
The evening started off with a spaghetti dinner prepared by Lisa Stanish and Mark Janes, with homemade sauces and all the fixin’s; the ingredients were donated by the Seldovia Village Tribe. There were also beautiful loaves of fresh baked French bread and fantastic desserts baked and brought in by community members. Because the house was so packed, people helped out by getting up from their seats after they ate so that others could have places to sit down.
The concert began with a performance by “Hullabaloo,” featuring Gavin, Aidan, Axcenia, Samantha, Calem, Chaela, David and Cody, all Club members in 2nd – 4th grade. They all played percussion instruments while music teacher Rob Rurka played along on the guitar. Their first song was called “Santana-ish” and highlighted Gavin on the drum set. The second number, “Gypsy Jam,” had Aidan on the drum set.
The next group to perform was called “Brainless.” This group of 4th – 7th grade Club members featured Seth, Adam, Aidan, Devin, Dylan, Robert, Nathan and Ginger. Ginger rocked it out by singing lead on “Better Now,” with Aidan on the drum set, Nathan on lead electric guitar, and Adam on bass. Rob sang lead on “Satellite” while Seth played the drums, Devin played bass, and Dylan and Robert and Nathan played electric guitar. (Nathan’s guitar solos were a definite hit.) The group was also joined by special guest violinist, Mary Glover.
Next to take the stage was the high school band “Outpost.” With Oren on lead vocals, Matthew on drums, Derek on electric guitar and bass, Joel on electric guitar, and Rob on acoustic guitar and bass, the audience was treated to a great set of songs: “Drive,” “Talking in Your Sleep,” and “General Attitude.” This group of guys definitely has the desire to perform – be looking to hear more from them in the future. (They did let a girl sneak in when Laurel Hilts joined them on bass guitar for one song.)
During a brief intermission, the Seldovia Boys & Girls Club Unit Director, Laurel Hilts , shared about the Club’s current financial status and concern that the Club may have to close its doors this summer. Audience members were invited to make a pledge to donate to the help keep the doors open. (At the end of the evening, we ended up with more than $2,200 in pledges!) There will be a community meeting held at the Boys & Girls Club on Thursday, April 10 th, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the Club’s future.
After the intermission, there was one last act to hear from, the adult band “Stickey Wicket.” Rob Rurka took the lead on vocals and acoustic guitar, accompanied by Mark Janes on electric guitar, Tracy Philpot on drums, Ruby Mason on congas, Laurel Hilts on bass guitar, and Jonathan Hoard on harmonica. Deidre Cameron also sang lead on three captivating songs. The group performed a range of songs, from the fast paced “ What I Like About You,” to the country of “Nightrider’s Lament” and the melodious sounds of “When You Say Nothing at All.” All in all, it seemed like a night of great music.
After the dinner and concert was over, Seldovians rolled up their sleeves and got to work cleaning up the tables, the sound equipment, and the kitchen and even mopping the floors. There were countless volunteers that helped put this entire event together from start to finish and our thanks go out to each and every one of you. Special thanks also to the Seldovia Village Tribe for its donation of food; to the Seldovia Native Association for sponsoring the Club’s music program; to the City of Seldovia and the State of Alaska for the Title V Juvenile Delinquency Prevention funds; to the Susan B. English School staff for allowing us to use the Ottertorium and the kitchen and for the extra help; to the Glover’s for promoting the event in the Seldovia Gazette and for taking photographs; to Dede Higman for glazing and prepping all the orphan pottery that was sold that night; and to the Head Start staff for letting us use their room.
If you did not have a chance to make a pledge during the Dinner and Music Jam, there still is time! You can do so by contacting the Clubhouse at 234-7577 or you can email Unit Director Laurel Hilts directly at lhilts@positiveplaceforkids.com.
Did you take photographs or video of the event? We would love to get a copy. Stop on by or send an email and we will get back to you.
Thanks again, Seldovia, for your great support of the Seldovia Boys & Girls Club.
A community meeting will be held at the Boys & Girls Club on Thursday, April 10th, 6:00 p.m. to look for potential solutions and to review our FY09 draft budget. In the meantime, we hope to see you at the dinner tonight. Enjoy the show.
If you have any questions about activities going on, give Seldovia Boys & Girls Club Unit Director Laurel Hilts at call at 234-7577.
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