Haiti Relief Concert at The Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns

Old American folk music could be heard on Broadway on May 22 as the Work o' the Weavers and their audience sang in harmony to raise money for the continuing Haiti relief at the Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns.

Immediately after the devastating earthquake, the church raised over $6,000 to help relief efforts. The funds raised are given to the Church World Service, which then goes directly to those in need in Haiti. The church recognized that there still is a great need for aid in the region affected by the quake.

"Even though it is not at the top of people's minds there is still a huge need for support in Haiti, this event is a good way to remind people of that," says Madhumita Chakrabartti, wife of Work o' the Weavers guitarist James Durst.

The Haiti relief fundraiser is a part of the 2010 concert series at the Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns presented by Rev. Jeffery Gargano and music directors Mi-Won Kim and Jeremy Goldsmith. Up coming events include a commemoration of Robert Schumann on June 12th and a recital of the renowned organist Kent Tritle on October 3rd.

The Work o' the Weavers concert recreated America's pioneering folk quartet – The Weavers. Their performance gave the audience a bit of American folk history through songs that have become a part of the nation's collective conscious like, "The Hammer Song" and "Goodnight Irene." The Weavers popularized folk music and in turn influenced musicians like Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul and Mary.

The concert ended in a standing ovation for the outstanding performance of The Work o' the Weavers; banjo player David Bernz, guitarist James Durst, bass player Mark Murphy and vocalist Martha Sanderfer.

"An incredibly enjoyable evening for a really good cause," said vocalist Martha Sanderfer.

For more information about the Concert Series Event or the Haiti relief effort at The Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns please call (914) 631-4497.