On a perfect summer evening, about 250 people gathered at Eagle Crest at Hudson Fields in Milton for rock, blues and a hint of funk. The two bands’ deeply soulful sound was reminiscent of the groups that rose to fame in the 1970s. However, four of the musicians were born in the 21st century.
The event, Concert for the Kids, featured brothers Alex and Drew Fitzkee and siblings Isiah, 14, and 19-year-old Eden Cooney, who played with Melody Trucks, daughter of the Allman Brothers’ Butch Trucks.
The concert allowed the youths to perform before an appreciative audience. It also raised $50,000 for Paul Kares, the Lewes-based nonprofit that supports performers and culinary professionals. This might seem like an odd pairing, but co-founder Paul Cullen is a musician and chef.
Cullen, who played with Bad Company, took the stage after Trucks with his band Bad River. The band featured Tony Sciutto of Little River Band fame, international recording artist Robbie LaBlanc and young Alex Fitzkee.
Making a living in both industries has always been challenging, which Paul knows all too well. That is why he and I founded Paul Kares, which has given scholarships to performing arts majors, sent students on culinary trips to Italy and music workshops, funded travel expenses for a school jazz band and supported local music schools and culinary arts programs.
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The need for our support is evident. Consider that the Delaware College of Art & Design in Wilmington and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia recently closed their doors. At the beach, The Pond and Sydney’s Restaurant & Lounge, once hubs for live music, have closed.
While many restaurants feature music, they often limit the size of the group. Solo and duo acts are common. In addition to awarding grants, Paul Kares provides a place for local, regional and national artists to play. The Room at Cedar Grove, located minutes from Route 1 in Lewes, is a listening room, meaning audiences buy tickets to hear the performers. Loud talking is discouraged. Management will ask you to lower your voice — so might the band and your fellow guests.
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The Room at Cedar Grove has become a destination for music lovers. Four shows in July are sold out. There are still tickets for Mama’s Black Sheep on July 20 and local jazz legend Libby York on July 21. Most performances include dinner with the ticket price.
All proceeds from these events benefit Paul Kares, as do special concerts at Hudson Fields. Upcoming events include The Funsters and Mike Hines & The Look on Aug. 4 and Crack the Sky and Bad River, featuring. Meanwhile, musicians perform every Friday for a happy hour at Eagle Crest, where a cash bar benefits the foundation.
What can you do? Come to the events. The Concert for the Kids crowd can attest that they are toe-tapping affairs. You’ll hear originals and well-known covers from highly talented performers.
You can sponsor an event or donate. You can also encourage aspiring performers and chefs to apply for a grant. Public and private school programs and learning camps may also apply. Visit https://www.paulkaresde.org.
Let’s keep Delaware’s music alive.
James Rivette, president, Paul Kares
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