Home / Musicians Partner to Support Community Access Unlimited March 22-27
Musicians Partner to Support Community Access Unlimited March 22-27
Erin Jerome
From pop to blues and rap to jazz, there's something for everyone at a virtual concert fundraiser for Community Access Unlimited this week, March 22-27.
Banding Together features musical performances at 7 p.m. nightly on the CAU Facebook page. All proceeds will support programs at CAU.
Jefferson musician Jeiris Cook kicks off the six-night concert on Monday with his signature blend of blues, R&B and folk.
"I'm stoked to participate this time around," said Cook. "I hope, number one, that CAU finds the support that they're looking for. I hope that people leave with a greater sense of what CAU does, and I hope they leave feeling better than when they came because I believe music is therapy. Sometimes the right lyric will resonate with someone…I think music can connect with people in a way that is powerful."
Banding Together will feature jazz violinist Richmond Punch on Tuesday, rapper Kosha Dillz on Wednesday, indie soul pop band Apollo Sonders on Thursday, R&B/soul singer Chrissie Limos on Friday, and pop/R&B singer Natalie Imani on Saturday. Guitarist Bruce Kulick, a long-time member of the band Kiss, will make a special guest appearance.
Jeiris Cook performs Monday night for Banding Together!
"We're so pleased and excited to have this talented group of musicians performing for us," said Saranya Thana, director of fundraising. "We have shifted our fundraising efforts to virtual events during the pandemic, and this event really brings us together to enjoy the arts from home."
Banding Together donations will help CAU offset significant pandemic-related expenses such as personal protective equipment for members and staff, and supplies for creative at-home activities for members. The pandemic has greatly affected the operations of the agency, which has grown to offer virtual services, including virtual learning and employment services.
"Any opportunity for us to perform and give back to a community in need is a win-win," said Nick Geremia, bassist in the four-piece Apollo Sonders. The Jersey City-based group draws inspiration from Amy Winehouse and Lake Street Dive, and was named one of the "Bands you Need to Hear in 2020" by NJ.com.
Apollo Sonders had been performing two to three times a month before the pandemic "ground everything to a halt," Geremia said. The band is feeling hopeful about being able to perform again this summer or fall.
"Opportunities as a band have been few and far between for the past year," Geremia said. "This event let us keep our chops up as a band while supporting Community Access."
Apollo Sonders will perform Thursday night for Banding Together