Putting food back on the shelves

This is how we build community: one gift, one person at a time. Whether it’s helping your public radio station or restocking local food pantries, we do it person by person, $10 in the hat or a few cans of corn or beans on the shelf. It adds up. The little bit we each do makes a difference if we each do a little bit.

Last month, we helped spread the word about a Saranac Lake benefit to assist area food pantries. Now, the effort moves to St. Lawrence County with a series of three concerts slated for March, and the first concert is tonight.

You may have heard Rick Bates (aka Tas Cru), a well-known north country bluesman, and Mary Ann Casale perform this morning on NCPR to promote this evening’s concert. Rick and Mary Ann, along with other musical friends and special guests, will kick off the three concert series with the 7 pm show tonight at Robin McClellan’s home just outside of Sanfordville.

I’ve reprinted the “RE-STOCK” poster below, along with quick directions to Robin’s home.

Rick (aka Tas Cru) Bates, holding the famous voodoo box (built by local luthier Tracy Cox), and Mary Ann Casales, lifelong singer and musician.

 “RE-stock” Concert Series to benefit St. Lawrence County Food Pantries. Featuring music by Rick Bates (aka Tas Cru) & Mary Ann Casale along with special guests.

Rick Bates is a blues artist and songwriter, whose latest album, Tired of Bluesmen Cryin’ has made its way on to the international/national roots music charts. Recent appearances include BB King’s and the Rum Boogie Cafe in Memphis. Mary Ann Casale is a singer/songwriter with a strong influence from her roots in the New York City folk scene in the mid-seventies. She started playing the coffeehouse circuit in New York State and Colorado as a solo performer and a vocalist in a number of bands. Their unique blend of folk/blues Americana was born out of their shared experiences as young musicians when they met in Potsdam nearly 30 years ago. They have been waiting these 30 years to perform together again!

All concerts begin at 7pm

Admission is a $10 donation or non-perishable food items.

Concert Dates:

Friday 3/8 Robin McClellan House Concert – 465 Old Market Road, Sandfordville, NY

Friday 4/5 Canton Unitarian Universalist Church

Friday 5/10 Massena Chamber of Commerce W. Orvis St

Sponsored and Supported by Robin McClellan, Canton Unitarian Universalist Church and the Massena Chamber of Commerce  – further info contact [email protected] Phone 315.262.5989

To reach Robin’s house: from the south, headed north on Route 11B, go through Sandfordville and take a right immediately after you cross the bridge over the St. Regis River. You are now on Old Market Road. Take the third driveway on the right, stay straight, and then go past and around Robin’s house to park. Coming from the north on Route 11, go just over 3 miles past “Southville” sign, and turn left just before the bridge over the St. Regis River. This is Old Market Road. Robin’s is the third driveway.

Tags: benefit concert, community, food, food pantry