It’s been nearly a month since Hurricane Sandy hurled her fury at the East Coast. But thousands of residents are still shivering in shelters that lack dependable power, and the price tag to repair homes and other structures damaged or demolished will likely run into the billions.
Here at home, many generous souls have sent checks to the American Red Cross and other relief organizations. And now there’s an opportunity to further help the cause, and have a little fun in the bargain: On Sunday evening, Nov. 25, The Cats Restaurant and Tavern will open its doors to the community for a special fundraising event.
From 3 to 6 p.m., a number of local musical acts will donate their talents to “Singing for Superstorm Sandy.” Those scheduled to appear are all alumni of The Cats stage, and include Gregg Andrade, The Mighty Avalanche Choir, Joe Ferrara, Deb and Mark Harville with Tom Siebenthal, Jay Howlett and Rolfe Wyler, Jeffra, Steve Kritzer and Jim Stevens and Friends.
After the three-hour block, Ferrara will perform his regular Sunday evening program from 6 to 9 p.m. During every performance a hat will be passed, enabling patrons to contribute cash and checks to the relief effort.
The Cats has a history of lending a hand to those in need: Following Hurricane Katrina, the venue hosted a similar event. “That was one of the last big shows before The Cats closed for remodeling,” notes Lee Kopp, who serves as marketing director and publicist for Ballet San Jose and will be accompanying the Harvilles and Stevens on harmonica.
“Normally The Cats isn’t open until Sunday evening,” Kopp adds. “But as soon as the owners were approached about this event, they immediately agreed to open up in the afternoon. The cool thing is that Joe Ferrara has played with everyone who’s going to be on that stage that day, so he’ll jump in and out as the mood strikes him. And then when we’re through he’ll play his normal Sunday night set.”
In modern history, the scheduling of concerts in the wake of a massive natural disaster has become virtually automatic. Kopp believes there is a natural synergy between musicians and those in need.
“If you’re in the arts, whether you’re an actor or a writer or a musician, there’s always a certain level of ‘suffering’ involved. I think that tends to make us sympathetic to people who are hurting. I have a number of friends who are still without power. So we all got together and thought ‘those people in the East are going through something horrible; why not do another Katrina-like benefit,” Kopp says.
Admission to The Cats is free, but donations of any size will be appreciated. Checks should be made out to the American Red Cross and should include the notation “Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief.” The Cats Restaurant and Tavern is located at 17533 Santa Cruz Highway in Los Gatos.
