Sunday was absolutely beautiful; from the performances to the amazing raffles to the team that planned the event and ALL the people who came through to show love and support for Charley Orlando. Even the sun made an appearance. It was exactly the spirit this season is supposed to be about. Everyone benefited from the outpouring of love and community not just Charley.
Charley underwent emergency back surgery and was left with around $45,000 in bills insurance isn’t covering. He is heavily involved in the music scene with Little Rock Music Group, performing solo gigs and weekly with Pearly Baker’s Best. He is the talent buyer for music staple Funk ‘n Waffles as well as Middle Ages Brewing Co. He has helped countless musicians over the years and they showed up to return the support. Bill Eppel of Root Shock also started an online fundraiser that will continue taking contributions. If you are interested here is the link.
Jeff Allen, known for his Grateful Dead art, created special T-shirts and prints for the event. He also donated a variety of posters to add to the many raffle baskets and silent auction items. Bea, Chris Merkley, Chris Eves, Pearly Baker’s Best, The Old Main, Joe Driscoll, Root Shock and Sophistafunk put on powerful sets with shout outs to Charley personalizing what he has done for them. The crowd was constantly evolving throughout the 9 hour event generously buying raffle tickets and bidding on silent auction items KMase and Shannon Fleming collected. Fletch Crangle and Herbie Berkenstein collaborated on a live painting that was also raffled off. Ian LaRochelle, Sam Levey and Brian Lauri were instrumental in planning the fundraiser. The Rebel, CNY Alive and NYS Music helped to get the word out.
An after party jam hosted by Mike Spadaro brought in more money with musicians donating back their pay from Funk ‘n Waffles and the same from Al’s Creepy Cousins Jam. The spirit of giving and coming together was indeed epic. Let’s keep it going so Charley can focus on healing and getting back on stage where he belongs.
Be the first to comment