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“It’s
great to see how young people grow, not only in their level of talent
and maturity, but in their understanding of the role that the arts can
play in reaching out to meet social needs in the community. ”
–Bill Pere
MYSTIC – Mystic River Folk Concerts presents two Connecticut
troubadours, two national Immie Award winners, and an ensemble of
local students in a Veterans Day concert to honor the men and women
who serve our country and to raise awareness of the problem of
homelessness among veterans.
The concert will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Union
Baptist Church at 119 High St.
Nationally-known artists Tom Callinan, Bill Pere, and Kay Pere will be
joined by a group of students from local elementary, middle, and high
schools to present this family event.
Tickets are $ 10 at the door or $ 8 in advance. Tickets may be
reserved in advance by calling 5729285. Attendees are encouraged to
bring a nonperishable food item for the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center
food pantry.
Tom Callinan was named Connecticut’s first official state troubadour
in 1991. A former Marine, Callinan is now celebrating his 30th year as
a full-time performing artist. He will mark the occasion with the
release of his 11th CD, ” Call to Colors,” the third part of his
“American Heritage Trilogy.” It is a culmination of five years of
researching classic patriotc songs and composing new songs with
historical themes (for more information visit
www.c r a c
k e r b a r r e l ents.com).
Bill Pere is Connecticut’s fourth official state troubadour and has
released 15 CDs including “Profiles of Connecticut,” original songs
about important people and events in the state’s history, including
Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale, and “USS Connecticut”, co-written
with Callinan, to commemorate the commissioning in Groton of the
submarine of the same name. Pere was the 2003 recipient of the “Artist
of the Year” Immie Award from the national Independent
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Music Conference in Philadelphia. His 1991 song “Heart of the Storm,”
inspired by local letters to and from those serving in Desert Storm,
prompted General Norman Schwarzkoff to write “Thank you for your song,
as it is vitally important that the troops who fought so valiantly
know that the American people are 110 percent behind them” (for more
information visit
www.billpere.com).
Kay Pere, a 2007 Immie Award recipient, is working on a CD of original
songs about the role of women in Connecticut history, including “The
Legend of Mother Bailey,” a true tale that took place in New London
during the War of 1812. The show will feature a presentation of Kay’s
song “Army Boots and Satin Slippers,” cowritten with army chaplain
Carol Bamesberger. Recorded in 2007 with Grammy Award winner Michael
Hopkins, the song captures the moment when a mother is sending her son
off to serve overseas. New London resident Cyndi Whipple, who has a
son that is currently serving in Iraq, said of the song, “It should
come with a warning label for military parents, saying ‘ Do not listen
to while driving’” (for more information visit
www.kaypere.com).
The Mystic River Folk Concerts is a series, now in its fourth year,
features performers of national and regional prominence. Proceeds
benefit local social services through Local United Network to Combat
Hunger (LUNCH). LUNCH was founded in 1989 by Bill Pere and has raised
more than $ 750,000 to support community outreach agencies and
programs. The LUNCH Ensemble includes more than 40 young people from
throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. Some 2,100 youths have
participated over the years and they see firsthand that they can make
a difference in other people’s lives.
“Kids who participated the first year are still involved now,” said
Bill Pere. “It’s great to see how young people grow, not only in their
level of talent and maturity, but in their understanding of the role
that the arts can play in reaching out to meet social needs in the
community. That is something they can bring to bear as they become
adult leaders of their communities.”
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