By Tom Baldino
Back in 1999 Sandy Mack wanted to help the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation, while also giving back to the community, and Harpin’ Help was born. Being a fixture in the local music scene and having played with so many of his friends, putting a day of music together was a natural for him. As the recipient, the JSJBF co-produced the event and supplied the manpower to put it on.
This year’s event again featured an array of talent on both the acoustic and electric stages, and seven hours of great music was enjoyed by all who attended. From the blues of Jump Back to the hard rock of the Gab Cinque Band, with everything in between, the music on the electric stage was as varied as it was good!
In the Mahogany room several vendors were selling their wares while listening to trios who very rarely get to play together. From Stu Coogan with April Lynn and Whitney Kelly to Michael Falzarano with Mike Flynn and Pete Tonti, the musicians seemed to be having as much fun as the audience!
Well, enough talk, John Posada’s excellent pictures paint the real picture of a great day of music and giving back to the community, in the form of about 500 pounds of non perishable food to two local food pantries.
