Concert To Benefit Kiwanis Food Bank With Donations, Rock Music

The Montville recreation department will hold its third free summer concert on August 12, featuring southern rock band Northern Comfort.

According to recreation director Maryann Witty, choosing a rock band is a bit of a departure for summer concert series, which usually focuses on more subdued musical outlets.

"I don't really have any hard, fast rules about the music that we play," she said. "We do try to keep it low key, tend to go for things that are more subdued. Someone who knew someone contacted me and I got the suggestion [for Northern Comfort] from someone I respect."

Previous shows this summer have included the Jacksonville Chapel Concert Band and Central Wind, both of which were larger ensembles that preformed traditional pieces like "God Bless America" and  "Stars and Stripes Forever."

The concert series has seen uneven attendance this summer, possibly due to poor weather causing a change in venue from the outdoor amphitheatre in the community park to the senior house on Route 202. The Jacksonville Chapel band drew well over 60 people, while the Central Wind concert was not as heavily attended. Witty is unsure what to expect from Northern Comfort.

"I don't know what kind of turnout we might have," she said. "With the Jacksonville chapel, it was phenomenal. They have a following. I was so thrilled that we had a beautiful evening and a crowd. When you have 30-plus members, its easier to draw people. I don't know what kind of crowd [Northern Comfort] will have."

The concert doubles as a benefit for the Kiwianis food bank, which opened in town earlier this year. Witty, a Kiwanis member, said that the idea for the benefit occurred simply.

"Usually there is picnic, and I suggested rather than that, if they wouldn't mind sponsoring a concert," she said. "Then we thought, 'Gee, why don't we make it a benefit for the food pantry and ask people to donate food?' We thought it would be a nice gesture."

The food bank has been operating on Thursdays and Saturdays at the United Methodist Church on Whitehall road since April 2010. Concert attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items for donation to tonight's show. Witty stresses that these donations, while appreciated, are not mandatory.

"It isn't like we'll be turning people away," she said. "Hopefully, people will think to share some food and enjoy some good rock and roll music. Its weird with Montville. I think we offer some fantastic things and sometimes people just don't take advantage."

The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the community park Amphitheatre, In case of rain, the show will be moved to the Senior House at 356 Route 202.