The Inn at Saratoga Hosts Benefit for Our Friends in The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Inn at Saratoga (232 Broadway) gathered a powerhouse – comprised of musicians, their fans and everyone’s collective hearts, and sent a laser beam of good will and love to our Caribbean comrades, for a special musical benefit on Sunday evening, October 15. Anchoring the music offerings was a special appearance from the Sun Mountain Band – an absolutely remarkable ensemble, which made their home in St. Thomas for many years.
I had heard talk in the past, hearing reverential devotion in some cases, about SMB from local prominent musicians, who had sat in or played with Dick Solberg’s group in places like the Stony Creek Inn, but this was my first time hearing them live, and what a treat it was….
Let me speak plain: Sun Mountain Band’s initials are SMB – but they should be BFD, folks, because that is what they are!
Don’t take it from me: Ask the pro musicians in this region whose lives were touched by SMB, and who were called up on Sunday night to sit in once again: Ask Danny Garcia – who quit school at age 15 to play with this group. Danny was there last night, along with his frequent playing partner Scott Stockwell. Ask Kevin Maul, who sat it for some tasty dobro; ask Tim Wechgelaer who seamlessly blended his fiddle with MC duties.The night had a family feel. Dancing, merriment, food, drink and fun. All the elements.
But as they danced under the festively lit tent on the Inn’s outside patio, they were always mindful that they were there to offer support to people that, given the most optimistic projections, might be without electricity for months still. And so, the musicians gathered and played – the people came and danced, and everyone dug deep and donated. All proceeds from this event will be going to the charities My Brothers Workshop and The Giving Circle.
What a special night it was. Beyond that, I’m at a loss for words- but fortunately – not pictures. Enjoy!
Arthur Gonick
October 16, 2017
