Dan's Papers - July 25, 2008 - Rock Out For Charity At Martha Clara

Sounds On Sound, A New Fundraiser For The North Fork Is Set To Take Place For This Weekend

Martha Clara Vineyards in Jamesport is the site of Sounds on Sound, a new fundraiser featuring two days of local classic rock-oriented and blues rock bands, for the March of Dimes and area food banks to be held on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27. For just $10 a day, or $15 for both days, you can check out a line-up featuring heavyweight area acts such as The Kerry Kearney Band (who is headlining both days), Pamela Betti, The Tommy Keys Band, Long Island Street Survivors and many more.

This is only the festival's first year, but organizer Andrea Matzer is already saying she hopes it becomes an annual affair. Matzer, who owns her own home-based company, Diversely Delicious, which holds home taste-testing parties to sell its international, gourmet foods, already donates 10% of her profits to food banks. She's also been a music lover for years, often going out to check out local bands. So, the idea for Sounds on Sound was obvious to her. "I figured why not combine the music with food," she said. "What better combination can there be?"

Though she had never organized a music festival before, it came easy to Matzer. She knew many of the musicians that she's secured for the line-up from following them over the years. "They're coming out of the kindness of their heart," she said. "They're donating their time and music." Also, Martha Clara, as well as the many big name sponsors, including The Long Island Blues Society, WRCN, Starbucks and Panera, were eager to jump on board for a good cause. "It's going very smoothly. They've all been terrific."

Since many people are facing financial problems these days - with more tough times likely ahead - more and more Suffolk County residents have been relying on food banks, which is why Matzer chose to support the Riverhead Food Pantry and the Shirley-Mastic Food Pantry, as well as March of Dimes. "The motto of my business is to feed those in need," she said. "Mothers need the proper nutrition for their babies and the food banks are bare. The food pantries, oh, they're so bare now, my goodness. It's terrible."

In addition to the stellar line-up, guests can enjoy a food court featuring a variety of foods - including a Diversely Delicious table - wine and beer and arts and crafts vendors. It's also a family-friendly event. The Huntington Learning Center in Riverhead will be on hand both days to provide crafts and games to keep kids busy.

"Come on down, have a great day and support charities and great local talent," Matzer said.

Tickets are $10 for one day or $15 for both. Children under six are free. They can be purchased ahead of time, but they can also be bought the weekend of the festival. The show will be held at Martha Clara Vineyard, off Sound Avenue, near the vineyard's back entrance on Herrick Lane. For more information, go to www.soundsonsoundmusicfestival.com.