RUMFORD – People from throughout the River Valley area can expect a foot-stomping good time Sunday afternoon while helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The Franklin County Fiddlers, made up of 23 fiddlers and a rhythm section of guitars, bass, mandolin, cello and piano, will perform at 2 p.m., Sunday, in the Municipal Auditorium. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
The kickoff concert is sponsored by the town of Rumford and Western Mountains Senior College. It is the first of two concerts scheduled at the Municipal Auditorium to benefit Hurricane Katrina victims. The second is set for Jan. 15 with a performance by the Emery Arts Center chamber ensemble, a group from the Farmington area.
Dorothy Dunton of Rumford Point, who is special events chairwoman for the senior college, said the goal is to raise a total of $5,000. She said Tuesday that she has been in contact with the Department of Education for the state of Louisiana to try to find out what is needed most.
“Maybe we’ll adopt a school, but we’ll help where needed,” she said.
The senior college is made up of people age 50 and above, but many of the projects they help sponsor are for all ages.
“When we collaborate with other organizations, we can open up the program to the entire community,” said Rosabelle Tifft, marketing spokeswoman for the senior college. “Then, we can reach out and better serve the community, which is one of our goals.”
The senior college is helping to sponsor another musical event in December, with Mahoosuc Arts in Bethel – The Kings Revels, which will feature Elizabethan music.
In Rumford, Town Manager Steve Eldridge was pleased to get involved in the Franklin County Fiddlers concert.
He’s trying to have more performances, and more arts integrated into the community. He’s behind the inclusion of the River Valley Arts Initiative within the town-backed committees.
Besides the two fund-raisers for hurricane victims, the Rumford Municipal Auditorium or the Muskie Auditorium at Mountain Valley High School will be the site of other performances set for the winter months. They are a variety show, similar to one held two years ago to standing-room-only crowds, and a performance by the Theater at Monmouth of “Henry V,” both in February. Others will be organized, he said, adding that the Municipal Auditorium needs a piano, preferably a grand piano. Anyone wishing to donate one is asked to contact the town office.
The Franklin County Fiddlers was organized more than 10 years ago by Mt. Blue High School music teacher Steve Muise. The group is made up of high school students and community residents and has gained recognition with performances throughout the state, Connecticut, Boston, Nashville, Quebec and Cape Breton. The group plays traditional American music.
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