Thirty musicians played theirhearts out to a near-capacity audience at Stingers Bar and Grill in Long Branch, at Guitar Night 2008. The musical menu included alternative, blues, country, folk, jazz, Jewish, Middle-Eastern and rock.
What was special about the performances was that the crowd was able to appreciate the individual talents of the players. The goals of the event were to uncover new talent in the community as well as feature some of the better-known musicians in a pleasant atmosphere.
The Master of Ceremonies, David J. Sutton, entertained with his charming personality and lively piano-playing. The highlight of the night was a six-minute, Arabic-style jam titled “Yesalam,” which demonstrated Arthur Shweky’s vast abilities. Julian Tawil performed his unique interpretations of classic Sephardic tunes woven beautifully with his raw playing style. Guitar-playing dynamic duo Richie Chalme and Joe Gindi mesmerized the spectators with deep lyrics, sweet harmonies and rhythmic strumming.
“The diversity of talent is really incredible. I half-expected to see a lot of shredders making a whole lot of noise, but I was completely wrong,” said Nathan Rudy, a blues musician. Drummer Ikey Chrem said, “I was surprised by the wide range of musical styles played at the show. Everyone involved should be proud of a job well done.” “Excellent!” raved Pauline Assa, who brought her four-year-old guitar-playing son, Joseph, to see the show. Margo Harary, committee chair, said it was a night of “great music for a great cause. It was a huge success!”
The first bi-annual event included a Chinese Auction and split-the-pot raffle, the proceeds of which benefitted The Sephardic Bikur Holim Food Pantry of Deal. The Food Pantry helps nourish families from our community with groceries and dignity. It deserves our support. On hand was a representative of SBH of Deal, Cheryl Betesh, who spoke about the important work that SBH Food Pantry is doing.
The performers dazzled the gathering with solo, duet and full band acts. The musicians spanned all ages; from four years old to 64. The five-hour show included songs played by Abdo Ades, Morris Antebi, Jack Anzarouth, Miriam Barry, Raymond Beyda, David Braha, Jeffrey Braha, Michael Braha, Richard Chalme, Ikey Chrem, Joey Danziger, Jakie Fallas, Marshall Gemal, Joseph Gindi, Sammy Kissel, Aaron Levy, Elie Maman, Allie Morabia, Florence Nasar, Ikey Nasar, Joey Nasar, Nathan Rudy, Irv Safdieh, Mark Shalam, Bobby Shrem, Alex Shweky, Arthur Shweky, Solomon Stavrach, Ames Sutton, David J. Sutton, Ralphiel J. Sutton and Julian Tawil. The years of practice and dedication to their instruments were evident in the musicianship and professionalism of all the entertainers.
The success of this concert was due to the tireless efforts and generosity of the volunteers and sponsors whom we wish to thank. Among those individuals are: Mr. Donald Epstein and the staff at Stingers Bar and Grill, A.J. Gindi and the SBH Deal Division, Rene Rofe, Scott Dweck, Alan Mosseri, Morris Antebi (photographer), Erwin Braha, Mrs. Judy Braha, Mrs. Alice Shalom, Margo Harary, Morris Harary, Renee Shaab, Bobby Shrem, Florence Nasar, Kim Stavrach and Anat Stavrach.
Guitar Night: Winter 2009 is already being planned. The show dates are scheduled for February 21 and 22. The venue is to be announced. Musicians, sponsors and volunteers who want to participate in the event should contact me at (732) 996-9213 or email Jeffreybraha@yeshivanet.com.
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Jeffrey Braha is the owner of Jeffrey Braha’s Music Makers. He offers at-home music lessons of all instruments in Brooklyn and Deal.
