Benefit Concert Format Announced

May 11, 2009 - PRLog -- ***Press photos available at http://www.appelfarm.org/press/images/index.html

(Elmer, NJ May 8, 2009)  With A Little Help From My Friends, Appel Farm’s outdoor benefit concert on Sunday, June 7, 2-6 PM, will feature a new format for the southern New Jersey arts center, and is designed to encourage some musical “fire” as individual artists share the spotlight. The “in-the-round” format will put renowned performers Livingston Taylor, John Gorka, Vance Gilbert, Guy Davis, Jeffrey Gaines, The Kennedys, The Nields and Phil Roy onstage together. Each artist will have an opportunity to perform their own selections, while some friendly interaction that involves duets and improvisation is eagerly anticipated.  “This concert is unlike anything we’ve seen here before,” says Sean Timmons, Artistic Director.  “We don’t know what musical magic will happen as these performers get inspiration from each other.”

Grey Eye Glances, The Guggenheim Grotto and Gillian Grassie will also perform individual sets. The casual setting of the outdoor Meadow Stage at Appel Farm creates an atmosphere of audience engagement and spontaneity that artists enjoy in a performance venue.  And for many of them, it will be a homecoming of sorts. Most of the artists have performed at either the annual Arts & Music Festival or the Evening Concert Series at Appel Farm before, and are considered audience favorites. The concert will raise funds to provide financial assistance for talented young people to attend Appel Farm’s award-winning arts summer camp.

Former Appel Farm camper scheduled to perform
A true homecoming will be in store for Phil Roy, a former Appel Farm camper. Roy was eager to come back to support the camp that had a great influence on his musical career. “I became a better guitar player. I think I became a better person. It was a fantastic summer. In ways it led me to go to Berklee College of Music in Boston, which was the starting point of my professional music career.”

Now residing in Philadelphia, he reminisced about his time at the arts camp. “Everyone was drawn to the place because of its creative and non-conformist camp atmosphere. Kids played music, danced, did theater programs, wrote stories and explored a world that didn't exist at other camps.” remarked Roy.

Tickets
General admission lawn seating $28.50, ages 17 and under admitted free of charge. Blankets and low-back chairs encouraged. “Undercover” Tent seating, with chairs provided, is available for $45.00 (adult), ages 17 and under $20.  

Tickets can be purchased online at www.appelfarm.org or by calling Appel Farm at (800) 394-1211. Patrons with hearing or speech disabilities may call TRS (800) 852-7899 or dial 711. Appel Farm is accessible to patrons with disabilities. Individuals requiring assistance should contact the venue at (856) 358-2472.

About Appel Farm
Appel Farm Arts and Music Center is a non-profit regional arts center serving audiences, artists, and students. Programs include an overnight summer arts camp, concerts, family matinees, a major outdoor music festival, and classes for children and adults, outreach in New Jersey public schools and a conference center. More information about Appel Farm can be found at www.appelfarm.org or by calling (856) 358-2472.
These programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional funding sources include corporations, foundations and individual contributions by friends, Trustees and alumni of Appel Farm. Presenting sponsor is Comcast.  Promotional partner is WXPN 88.5FM.

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Appel Farm's mission is "to provide people of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds with a supportive, cooperative environment in which to explore the fine and performing arts."