Touted as a “High Tempo Tea Party” the event will be an afternoon of soulful signature songs by Michael Brown who has recently returned from Paris to attend the benefit. Also performing is Jonathan Fritz, best known for his new Flamenco and classical Spanish guitar music with songs from his recent CD “Spirits of Passion”. And last but not least, is local favorite “The HousaTonics” singing harmonic melodies from yester-year.
Michael Brown has won the hearts of audiences throughout the North East corner. Known for his popular singles “Love Talk” and “Dancing to Your Music”, recorded by CBS (Sony) Music, Michael Brown is celebrated for receiving one of the highest ratings ever on the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. He has traveled extensively sharing his gift of music with audiences around the world. Currently Michael is the musical director of the beloved Salisbury, Hotchkiss, and Westover Gospel choirs. He has also written two musicals: “The Selfish Giant and The Happy Prince".
Jonathan Fritz is a classical guitarist who has toured the US, Europe and the Caribbean, and has performed locally for benefit events, clubs and private parties. His passion for world music has most recently fueled his obsession with Spanish/Flamenco music. He has recently recorded two Nuevo Flamenco CD’s entitled “Spanish Thread” and “Gitan a la Plage”. His music can be sampled on the web at http://www.myspace.com/jonathanfritzacoustic
The HousaTonics are a popular, local barbershop singing group who perform at events, benefits and other venues throughout the North East Corner. Barbershop singers perform a vocal harmony in an a cappella style, made popular in the early 1900’s.
Simmons’ Way Inn is hosting the “High Tempo Tea Party” to celebrate the area’s rich historical heritage and to raise funds to preserve and support the programs, projects and digital archives of the North East Historical Society. The Benefit will take place on Sunday, June 28th from 2pm to 5pm at the Inn, Grounds and Barn of the celebrated Historical Inn.
Tickets are $25 for live music, tea, tour, wine, food and silent auction and are available for sale at many local Millerton merchants who are helping to sponsor the event, including Country Gardener, Gilded Moon Framing, Harney Fine Teas, Herrington’s, Irving Farm, Kamilla’s Floral Boutique, Oblong Books, Millerton Antique Center, Millerton Diner, Sapersteins, Simmons’ Way, Terni’s and Thriftique.
There will also be a Silent Auction with valuable and exquisite objects and services donated by generous local merchants and private donors, including everything from vacation packages to home décor to spa packages to art, jewelry, sporting gear, books, restaurant gift certificates and more.
In addition to the entertainment, there will also be a tour of the nineteenth century Victorian Manse, originally the home of noted statesman, educator and lawyer E. W. Simmons. There will also be a tea tasting compliments of Harney Fine Teas, as well gourmet finger foods, taste delights and sweets straight from the kitchen of Martha’s “A Passion for Food” Restaurant. Also planned is a DVD presentation featuring a historical overview of Simmons’ Way from 1854 until present day.
According to Loraine Doucette, Fundraising Chair, “The benefit is more than just a grand social event, it’s our way of building awareness of the rich heritage of our village and town.
For ticket or membership information or donations contact the North East Historical Society at: P.O. Box 727 Millerton, NY 12546 or by calling 518 789 4619
For additional information on the “High Tempo Tea Party” or about upcoming events and programs of the North East Historical Society, please contact Joan Daidone at joniwriter@mac.com or by calling 212.982.0427.
Contact:
Joan Daidone, Publicity Chairperson
212.982.427 (Mobile Phone)
518.789.3510 (Land line)
About The North East Historical Society:
The North East Historical Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1972 run by a team of dedicated local volunteers. The NEHS mission is the preservation of the rich historical heritage of the community through programs, projects and the development ofa digital archives easily accessible to the community. It is a Not-for-Profit 501 (C)(3) organization charged with the responsibility of safely storing and cataloging the historical records of the Town of North East and the Village of Millerton.
