Haiti Benefit at Bay Street Theatre Raises Over $10,000

HAITIAN BENEFIT @ BAYSTREET A HUGE SUCCESS--EVENT RAISES OVER $10,000 FOR HAITI!

While the horrific stories continue to emerge from Haiti, the world at large has taken notice-including the East End. This past weekend, nearly three hundred people came out to take part in the Hamptons for Haiti Benefit, held on Saturday night at Bay Street.

The event, spear headed by County Legislator Jay Schneiderman, was put together in under two weeks and snowballed quickly to include over 40 musicians, bands, and volunteers a plenty, who assisted with the amazing musical evening, including raffles and silent auctions. As a musician himself, Schneiderman, with the assistance of Bay Street's staff as well as musician Dan Bailey and Lauren Chu, was able to put together a program of incredible musical talent-all of them from the East End. Said Jay, "It might have been a cold night outside, but the spirit in the room was thrilling. The evening was a total success and we owe everyone who came out--audience and musicians alike-- a huge debt of gratitude."

From OBED Jean Louis, a native of Haiti, to the band he recently joined, Living Rhythm, the evening was a resounding three hours of world class talent. The music soared from the sacred to the healing, from the Bluesy mood provided by Jim Turner, to the West African beats of DJAMBELI DRUM & DANCE. MR. NO SHAME, also thrilled with their mix of rock and Latin rhythms while ALFREDO MERAT wowed the audience with his smooth Latin Jazz sounds. The audience danced and shouted out in both praise and response as the performers sent their good wishes and song to those in need in Haiti. Afterwards, the performance continued as The Bastards of Boom provided lobby entertainment to keep the party rolling.

Guests were encouraged to give what they could at the door, with most able to provide the suggested $25 donation. The event raised over $10,000 from admission, as well as from proceeds of a raffle and silent auction. Murphy Davis, one of Bay Street's Artistic Directors provided humorous interludes, as he raffled off over 18 items throughout the evening while the bands made their way on and off the stage. Christina Reilly assisted, having solicited the gift items from numerous businesses including Golden Pear, Two Trees Stables, Terra Design Landscape, Tulla Booth Gallery, Hampton Jitney, DGQ Gutter Cleaning, and many more. In addition, Conco D'oro provided food for the nearly 50 musicians and volunteers who had been working since 2pm that day to be certain the event came off without a hitch. All monies will be donated to two charities; UNICEF and YÉLE HAITI.

For questions or more information call the administrative office at 631-725-0818 or visit www.baystreet.org.

Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit institution, dedicated to presenting new, classic and contemporary works of the highest quality, which challenge as well as entertain, speak to the diversity of the community and champion the human spirit. Bay Street's commitment extends to educational programs for all ages to foster the continued value of theatre as a vital art form for future generations.