Concert to benefit music programs

MILLERTON — Rooney Tunes Productions will host a benefit concert at Sanford Kaplan’s farm Saturday, Oct. 17. The event is raising funds for The Rex Foundation, which in turn will be supporting music programs in the Webutuck school district.

The psychedelic folk rock band Moonalice is the headlining act. The group was put together by T-Bone Burnett, a rock and country producer. Members include musicians who have worked with or been a member of various well-known musical acts. The Rex Foundation was established by members of the Grateful Dead and friends in 1983. It supports social service and promotes the arts through a number of programs. One of Rooney’s stipulations when he contacted the Rex Foundation was that a majority of the proceeds will go toward the Jerry Cook Memorial Fund, in honor of a local musician who died several years ago. The memorial fund provides music lessons and instruments for children in the Webutuck school district.

Festivities begin at 3 p.m. There will be several drum circles, including one from St. John’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury, and a variety of local acts on an outdoor stage. Moonalice will headline at 7 p.m. inside the Kaplan farm building.

Rooney said he was very grateful to Kaplan, known colloquially as “Suitcase Sam†to many residents, for the continued use of his building for events.

“He loves music, kids and animals,†Rooney explained, “and anybody who loves those three things has to be a good person. We support each other, and we’re very grateful to him for letting us use the venue.â€

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling 518-789-6385 or visiting rooneytunesproductions.com. There will be no alcoholic beverages, and the event will happen rain or shine. Kaplan’s farm is located at 5681 Route 22 between the village of Millerton and Amenia.

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