PARIS — On Friday, Dec. 18, Cow Pasture Productions will host a night of music and dance at the American Legion Hall, benefiting the Open Sky Fund set up in memory of well-known local musician Evandle Lawton who died recently.

Lawton was a member of the Stoned Mountain Boyz of Sumner. A beloved friend to many, his music and energy touched those who met him. The fund will raise money to purchase musical instruments, lessons and/or transportation, as well as provide musical opportunities for children across the state.

“We wanted to find a way to keep the magic alive. Van loved to play music with kids and wrote songs that were enjoyed by so many people. Music is the most precious gift to give and what better way to honor his memory than this,” said Amanda Parkhurst of CowPasture Productions.

The concert will feature local musicians Jordan Kaulbach and A Bunch of Old Hippies and a number of bands from Portland, including Lazzlo playing Americana/roots music, Okbari playing Middle Eastern music and Oogie James and the Satin Kings playing groove/funk.

There will also be dance performances by Rijah Newell of Norway and by RESISTDANCE, a company that performs consciousness-raising dance. In addition, donated items will be auctioned off by performance poet DA Butcha.
Any child is eligible for the fund. They need only send a letter with basic information about themselves and their needs to Open Sky Fund c/o Cow Pasture Productions PO Box 1074 Lewiston, ME 04243.

The first recipient has been selected, a local 8-year-old who will receive her musical instrument on Dec. 18.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., with music starting at 7 p.m. Tickets, $10, are available at Creative Media in Norway and The Maine Book House in Oxford; and online at www.mainecommonsense.org/harrys_hill/newsite/tickets_paypal.htm. Tickets will also be sold at the door. For more information, e-mail [email protected].