The Idyllwild Community Center is preparing for the groundbreaking of Phase 1 construction next spring. After quietly raising more than $2.3 million for the new facility, the final leg of the fundraising efforts begins with the “Let’s Build it Concert” from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Ferro.
A minimum donation of $50 will ensure a seat and a concert pass for the gala event. All donations will go to the building fund. Donations may be made at Idyllwild Pharmacy and by text or secure payment at idyllwildcommunitycenter.org. If space is available, donations for Concert Passports will be accepted at the door.
World-renowned musician Barnaby Finch has organized the music for the concert. He emphasized, “All the money for the passport is going toward the Community Center construction. None of the donations will go toward the musicians.”
Finch not only volunteered to arrange for the musicians, but he will be part of each group throughout the afternoon.
“It’s top-notch beautiful music, which is familiar to many of us,” said event co-chair Jeri Sue Haney, manager of the local branch of BBVA Compass bank. “It’s going to be a blast.”
Local Sandii Castleberry sounds the first note at 1 p.m. Joining her will be Finch, his wife Anne on bass, and Don Reed on guitars. About 2 p.m., these three will morph into Hanky Panky with Lenny Hansell.
About 2:45, Robin Adler, Dave Blackburn and John Quint, also with Finch, will take the stage.
Then at 3:45 p.m., jazz flautist Tim Weisberg will enchant the crowd until the concert ends at 5 p.m.
During the concert, enjoy some “Ferro Bites,” tasty tidbits created by Frank Ferro for special guests. Selected wine and Don Put’s local craft beer will be available for purchase.
During set changes and musical breaks, event host Janice Lyle, president of the Idyllwild Community Center board, will discuss the progress of the Conditional Use Permit application for construction of the Community Center. Members of the Building Campaign Committee will be on hand to answer questions about the “I’m Helping Build the Idyllwild Community Center” options and introduce the features of the new website.
When asked about his willingness to organize the fundraiser, Finch explained, “A whole lot of people think the Community Center is a great idea for Idyllwild. The challenge is to raise that much money in a small community with many part-time residents and an economy that’s not great.
“Even with the generosity of the Butterfields [Loie and David], there is a long way to go,” Finch continued. “I know this event won’t bring us to the goal [$3.5 million], but it’s the idea of raising visibility of a good cause.”
For more information, text or email Chris Trout at [email protected] or call 951-965-0456.
1 p.m. Sandii Castleberry
Sandii Castleberry (vocals, guitar, harp)
Anne Finch (bass, vocals)
Barnaby Finch (piano, vocals)
Don Reed (guitars)
1:55 p.m. Hanky Panky
Lenny Hansell (vocals, pedal steel, guitar)
Anne Finch (bass)
Barnaby Finch (piano, vocals)
Don Reed (guitars)
2:45 p.m Adler, Blackburn, Quint
Robin Adler (vocals, bass)
Dave Blackburn (vocals, guitar)
John Quint (vocals, guitar)
Barnaby Finch (keys)
3:45 p.m. Tim Weisberg
Tim Weisberg (flutes)
Chuck Alvarez (guitar, vocals)
Tim Landers (bass)
Maria Martinez (drums)
Barnaby Finch (keys)
