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Clan Currie Society to Co-Host Hurricane Relief Benefit “No One Is Alone – A Concert of Hope” Scheduled for Friday, October 7
The Clan Currie Society, presenters of the popular, “Pipes of Christmas” concert have announced they will be producing a special benefit concert to aid hurricane relief efforts. “No One Is Alone – A Concert of Hope.” The concert, which will be co-produced by the Summit Music Festival, will be held on Friday, October 7th at 8:00 PM at Central Presbyterian Church in Summit, NJ. The concert will feature performances by many favorite artists from both annual music events, including soloist and choristers from the Summit Music Festival, Susie Petrov and Paul Woodiel of Local Hero, and the Solid Brass ensemble.
Clan Currie’s response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina began after the first images of the Gulf region appeared on television. “My first reaction was to access our membership database to see if we had any members in the affected area, said Society president Robert Currie. “As I had expected, we did.” As a first step, the Society contacted members via a broadcast e-mail to alert them to the fact that members of Clan Currie were in need of help. The broadcast e-mail brought a multitude of responses from around the world. One of the first to respond was 1st Lt. Michael J. Currie of the United States Army who wrote to say that he was about to be dispatched to New Orleans as part of the relief efforts. “I will be sure to conduct myself in the old traditions of the Currie Clan as I inspire my fellow troops and ease the suffering of many of our southern friends.”
Another early response came from Society member Arlene Torrens of La Grange, Kentucky. Torrens wrote to say that she was actively involved with the Presbyterian Church USA’s fund-raising efforts and wanted to encourage members to consider making an online gift to the charity. The Society promptly made a donation in the name of all members of the worldwide Clan Currie. According to Summit Music Festival president Lois Hageman, “The concept for this concert began with a phone call from Clan Currie Society president Robert Currie. Bob contacted me and suggested that our two groups find a way to respond to the tragedy unfolding in the Gulf States. Bob envisioned a fund-raising concert that captured many of the uplifting spiritual aspects of both of our music events. We contacted the Festival’s Artistic Director, Jason Tramm and before long the event took shape.”
“It wasn’t long into the brainstorming process that Bob and I realized we had a solid concept and a long list of outstanding performers we could call on in short notice to produce a quality event for a very worthy cause,” said Tramm. Currie and Tramm approached Central Presbyterian Church (CPC) who enthusiastically approved of the program. “This concert could not have happened without the full support of the church,” said Currie. “We are especially grateful to Noel Werner, CPC’s Music Minister for coordinating this concert for us.”
There will be no admission charge for “No One Is Alone,” although a free-will offering will be collected. Seating will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Funds raised will go directly to supporting Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The primary beneficiary will be the Presbyterian Church USA’s Hurricane Relief program, although concert organizers advise they will be happy to accept and forward checks made out to any one of the many organizations involved in supporting rescue and relief. A donation of $20 per person is suggested. Plans are also underway to broadcast the concert over TV-36, Communities On Cable. Clan Currie has also announced that the 2005 edition of “The Pipes of Christmas” will be held on Saturday, December 17. The Society’s Burns Night dinner dance is scheduled for Saturday, January 21, 2006 at the Grand Summit Hotel in Summit, NJ. To make an online donation to the Presbyterian Church (USA) Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, visit: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/response/usa/hurricanekatrina-index.htm. For further information on the concert and other upcoming events, please contact the Society at (908) 273-3509 or via e-mail at clancurrie@mail.com.
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