CFTC-A Benefit for The Family of Liam Smalling

Concert For The Cause

By Lydia Lowe
(all photo's by Bob Hunter)

     The final concert of the summer season was held in Avenue A Park on Saturday.  Originally the evenings entertainment was to benefit Sterling Austism, but Sterling Autism stepped aside voluntarily and donated the proceeds of the evening to the family of Liam Smalling.  It was a beautiful evening to be in the park, at a concert, enjoying grilled food, soft drinks and water.  Autumn was in the air and a gentle breeze kept the concert-goers cool.

Dan Duntz of The Calm plays The National Anthem

     On this night for a rare treat, a member of The Calm, Dan Duntz, played The National Anthem to open the show ala Jimi Hendrix style on his guitar.  He did a superb job.  I don't think Jimi Hendrix himself could have played it half that good.  The crowd loved it!

Jess and Philly

     This Saturday evening's entertainment  began with a sister act, Jess and Philly.  The two sang a variety of songs, as duets and each sang songs on their own.  At the beginning of the concert it was announced that one of the performers had Autism.  You would never have known it, though.  Both sisters had marvelous, warm voices and their vocals were spot on.  They sang to a soundtrack of taped music and this added tremendously to their set.  Without the problems of having to worry about the quality of the sound, these sisters were able to just concentrate on their performance.  The crowd clapped and cheered after each and every song.

     Unfortunately, the headliner, Capital Avenue, from Nebraska, failed to show for their part of the concert. Apparently there was some mis-communication between the booker and CFTC.  Hopefully, this act will be able to perform during one of next summer's shows.  

The Calm

     Then it was time for The Calm, a group out of Wichita.  With tight tunes and even tighter vocals, this group delivered a variety of original hits that just blew me away.  Why are these guys not being played on the radio? The music is fine and definitely main stream material.  I wish they had brought some of their CD's with them.  I'd have bought every one.  This was music I wanted to take home with me and play over and over again.  I say this a lot but it was never more true than on this evening, their music was amazing. CFTC has got to ask them back for a repeat performance, I just can't get enough of them.  

     One thing that I found different about this group was that the songs would end abruptly.  At first I found this a bit annoying, and then I realized that what this was really doing for me was to draw me in, make me pay attention, and caused me to have a much more intimate experience with the music.  

     The concert was over far to soon. And so ends the second season of Concerts For The Cause.  But don't fret, there is a special Thank You concert planned for the Saturday after the Kansas State Fair, on September 20th. The grill will be fired up with hotdogs and there will be pop and water. Everything will be free, although if you would like to donate to the family of Liam Smalling it would be much appreciated and a donation jar will be available for your donations.  

     Mark your calendars now for next year; June, July, and August will see the return of the third season of Concerts For The Cause.  The 2015 season will feature new and returning singers and bands, and a variety of non-profits who need your help.  Plans are already underway for the summer of 2015 and it will be bigger and better than ever, and as always full of surprises.  Hope to see you there.