Stars Over Valpo Benefit

On March 29th, I attended a wonderful benefit for a local radio station, WVLP, 89.3, in Valparaiso, Indiana. It's not a strong station, but you can listen to their wonderful programming on the internet. They are a non profit station, with many volunteers, and diverse programming for, and by, the people of the community. The station and it's volunteers are big supporters of local arts and music, and that night, the music community gave back. This was the third year for the benefit, but my first time there. It was wonderful! I already know this, but there is so much talent in Northwest Indiana! And they are all wonderful, humble and caring people. It's like one big caring family, coming together when needed. 

The benefit was held in Duesenberg Recital Hall at Valparaiso University. For two hours, we were treated to many kinds of music. There were so many performers signed up, that each only played one song. I was told I could go back stage to photograph, but I was afraid I would miss someone on stage if I did...

So here is my photo blog, I was a bit late and missed the first performer, Buddy Pearson (apologies for that). Although I did get a few photos of him playing with others. I tried to get as many names correct as I could, the program helps. If I've missed you, you can email me and I would be happy to add your name near your photo. 

(Also, you can view my husband Wesley's blog of the night here)

One of our hosts, Steve Cronk.. Who happens to be Chad Clifford's former principal... lol

                                               Buddy Pearson

A few of Patti Shafner and friends..

Chad Clifford, owner of Front Porch Music, lead singer of The Crawpuppies, member of The Beatlenerds, and someone I consider a friend.

Another of our hosts, from WVLP, John King. Amazing supporter of local music! 

                                                    Tyler Nimon

WAZ (Walter Lisek)

A few of Ripley Street... I do believe this band has been together for a while. While I have heard of them, I didn't have the pleasure of seeing them, until now. I want to see them more, hope I can catch them somewhere! 

Another good friend, and all around wonderful human being, Mark Rongers. Anyone that knows music in NWI knows Mark and his family. Talent runs deep in that family tree! He played a Stones tune with Sonny Lee Tritt.

He moves so much, sometimes he's hard to photograph, especially in low light. Tonight, the light was good..

The amazing Sonny Lee Tritt. I've seen him play with several bands. 

Chris and Megan Marolf. Talented owners of The Old World Market in Valpo... 

Friends Kelly Skaggs & Pete Calacci. They have a new band, Over and Under. Kelly has a phenomenal voice, and Pete can play guitar like nobody's business... I highly recommend keeping an eye out for them!

Lou Samaniago, of Chris & Lou and The Beatlenerds. 

Sax player Melissa Welsh. She is a friend of my husband's and I finally had the pleasure of meeting her that night. Great talent...

  The Rodeas entertained with a             wonderful tune.

There was a wonderful turn out from the community to support the station, and enjoy the music. 

Bolsega and Crabtree were up next. 

What a great collaboration of area musicians!

     

   Steve Crabtree, owner of Beat Boogie Drums.

 Jason Murphy belting out a tune.

A few shots John Derado and Ron Buffington.

Cool group called Desk Rabbit..

Here's a few of Jake and Shelbi, along with Buddy Pearson. They have a band called "The Diggity" which I have also heard of and not had the pleasure to see as of yet... amazing voices! 

Next we have The Darren Enloe Band. 

And the grand finale...Robert Rolfe Fedderson. A fantastic musician and songwriter, he has a great show on WVLP called "Left of Center". His wife performs with him (she is the one seated, and is a songwriter herself) along with an array of local talent at any one of his shows. 

And there you have it, a wonderful night for a wonderful cause with amazing people and their music. Thank you for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed my blog. If you are in any of the photos, and would like better quality (they are compressed for the blog), shoot me a message and I'd be happy to get them to you. 

Please continue to support local music and supporters by checking out the links provided. 

WVLP Radio Station

Beat Boogie Quality Drums

Beat Boogie's Facebook Page

Front Porch Music

Old World Market

The Crawpuppies

Ripley Street

Bolsega/Crabtree & The Region All Star Shufflers

The Diggity

desk.rabbit

If you have a related link that I can add, please email me and I would be happy to do so.

** ALL photos on this blog are property of Christi Bushby, copyrighted and protected as such by law. Please see my copyright page for details and/or permissions of use.