Review: Vail-Leavitt Music Hall Concert Benefits Toys for Tots

Volunteers at the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall in Riverhead hosted the seventh-annual Toys for Tots open mic night on Dec. 15.

Jessie Haynes, a local musician and founder of "Original Voices," coordinated the combination toy drive, open mic and holiday party. "Original Voices" is a once-a-month open featuring musicians performing original material.

Haynes said that 117 toys were collected at the Toys for Tots concert.

"It was a cool night — thanks so much to everyone who came, helped and played," she said.

Phil Bland of Shirley, who plays bass with the band Satchel Boogie said that this year's turnout and the amount of toys collected far exceeded that of previous years.  He said that the increasing economic woes in our area more than likely played a part in sparking generosity.

Taylor Dunn, 13, of Hampton Bays collected over 40 toys for local needy children. Taylor also does a great deal of charity work with her church, Christ Our Savior in Hampton Bays, where her grandfather is the pastor. 

"It just makes me feel really good to help impoverished children," she said.

East Quogue resident Haynes, an enigmatic singer-songwriter, was the first performer of the evening. She played a wonderful set with help from the house band consisting of John Brzoza on guitar, Phil Bland on bass guitar and Alex Sarkis on the drums. Haynes' latest album, "Vampire Kiss," is available on Jessiehaynes.com.

Liza Coppola, a solo singer and guitarist from Mattituck, charmed the audience with renditions of some of her favorite music. "Original Voices" makes an exception to the "no cover material" rule for the holiday party performances. This allows for some very festive versions of familiar and not-so-familiar songs by signed artists.

Rupert Wates, a talented singer-songwriter from Manhattan, captivated the crowd with a short set of beautiful original tunes. Wates hails originally from London and can be found entertaining at music venues up and down the eastern seaboard and online at Rupertwates.com.

Celestial, an alternative rock band from Hampton Bays performed a powerful collection of their material. The band features Gregg Gennari on vocals and guitar and Lisa Dee on the fretless electric bass. Both Gennari and Dee are also dedicated event coordinators and volunteers at the Vail-Leavitt. For more information check out Celestialband.com.

The teenage group Human Errror (yes, it's spelled with three R's) from East Hampton turned up the intensity of the show with their original brand of old style punk and ska.  The youngsters rocked and wowed the audience with superb stage presence and musicianship.  Human Errror features lead singer and drummer Sage Gibbons of East Hampton, bassist Sam de Poto of Shelter Island and guitarist Adin Doyle from Sag Harbor. Find them on both Facebook and Myspace.

Satchel Boogie from West Islip blew the doors off the place during their spirited and soulful rock and blues performance. Lead by the powerful voice of Steven Meadors who is originally from Arkansas and Oklahoma, the band impressed all in     attendance with their soulful blues-rock sound. Meadors was supported by the     aforementioned house band — also his full-time band. The band plays frequently in Manhattan at such venues as The Bitter End, National Underground and Arlene's Grocery.  Hear their live album at Satchelboogie.com.

The following people also volunteered their time during the concert: Maureen Hernandez of Patchogue, Scott E., the host and a performer on the downstairs all acoustic stage known as the "Black Box," and soundman Art Williams of Viper Studios in Bohemia.
   
Anyone interested in playing or volunteering at future events can visit vail-leavitt.org/original voices.