Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, created in 1988 in Ashford CT, serves more than 20,000 children and family members annually, free of charge.  Through summer sessions and family weekend programs, and year-round outreach to hospitals and clinics throughout the Northeast,  this community provides "a different kind of healing" to children and their families coping with cancer, sickle cell anemia and other serious illnesses.  They are generally isolated from the community.  Here illnesses are left at the door, children impact each other and can "raise a little hell" with others just like themselves.   Not isolated.  Their infirmary is called "The OK Corral !"

The Channel 3 Kids' Camp, founded in 1910, is a year-round retreat for over 4000 children, ages 6 - 16 on 350 acres along the Skungamaug River.  For them the camping season never ends!  They have both day and week camps. At the Day Camp Children 6-12 learn self esteem and independence through learning and playing with other children.  The overnight camps provide teens with personal, social and recreational programs in a safe and positive environment that enhances personal and social skills, teaches leadership and responsibility, and promotes individual self-esteem. In addition to the social benefits, a week spent in the mountains or woods heightens the child's awareness of the relationship between people and nature.  During the fall and winter months, many more children are able to experience this vast 350 acres as they participate in Natures Classroom, where science and nature are brought to life in a way that no text book possibly can. 

Bill Logozzo believes that music is the route to the soul, and the method for making all feel good.  He and countless volunteers, headed by Karen Senn gathered the best local musicians and some Country and Rock Stars from different generations. 

Logozzo's drum took the intro to a WILD New Orleans, with Skip Hughes powerful voice, and the jazz ensemble echoing off the high church ceiling.  Skip called it a "con-fusion" band  Swing That Music  was spectacular - John Clark vocalizing! 

Ben Griffin used Basin St. Blues to introduce each musician: Sherman Kahn, John Clark, reeds, Ben Griffin and Skip Hughes trombone, Jeff Hughes cornet, Bill Logozo drums, Shari Lucas keyboard, Gim Burton banjo, Albie Bernard tuba. Blues My Naughty Sweety Gives to Me had the skillful intertwining of the clarinet duo, Sherman Kahn and John Clark.  You could feel the musical energy building up.

Jimmy introduced Michelle Berting Connecticut's newest import from Canada,  who is currently starring in “The Man In Black” tour, a show about Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, and also in "Close To You: The Songs of the Carpenters,” set to launch in the U.S. this year.  (She also takes time to sing for our troops.)  From the standard song book, this charming singer chose Georgia, intro by Jeff Hughes on muted 1955 Connstellation cornet.  Singing from the heart, she continued with, Sentimental Journey, the audience attentive and quiet.

Shake Rattle & Roll, had the audience clapping in sync, people in the balcony dancing, in the aisles, they gave him a standing ovation – and he had just begun! He thanked the wonderful audience.  Next was another one from 50’s  See Ya Later Alligator, people up back couldn’t sit, started dancing, including me.  Michelle Berting joined him for a tune he wrote in1950 You’re  the Greatest. 

DJ Jimmy Jay presented Jimmie Rodgers, country singer best known for his chart-topping hits in the 50s and 60s. He has lost his voice  for 6 years due to an aneurism, and is now trying to restore his career by playing some of the songs from his 23 gold records and singing along, and telling jokes. Secretly, Kisses Sweeter Than Wine, Un Oh Falling in Love Again, A Child of Clay, Honeycomb, and then did one song in his own voice, playing guitar, A Hundred Miles, taking us to 5pm. 

There was a break, cut short by Freddy Vigorito's bugle call, bringing everyone back for an extra half hour.

Jimmy Jay introduced Ronnie Spector, the heart and soul of female Rock and Roll in the 1960s. A profoundly moving singer, she defined an entire era in pop music. She and the Ronettes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2007. She sang an emotional Be My Baby.  "I'm thrilled to be here for the Channel 3 Kids Camp - it comes from the heart."

Heartbeat Jazz Band returned with Michelle Berting for a fine rendition of Patsy Cline’s country hit, Crazy.  
Triple Play joined the Heartbeat for a barn-burning,  Louis Prima's Jump Jive & Wail that had Shari jumping up and jiving.  The horns went wild, weaving in all directions.  They followed with Tiger Rag in triple time, with the ferocious tiger of two trombones, both Jeff and Freddy on cornet, Logozzo slamming the drums.  Washington and Lee Swing (The Dummy Song) with Skip Hughes vocal.   Incredible!  But it wasn't over.

Finally, Heartbeat sent us marching home with a raucous When The Saints Go Marching In.  

Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band has a Facebook page!  If you're on Facebook, please go to the page and click "like" for their schedule.  Plus, You can view all the photos and videos from this concert.

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You may donate anytime to continue the work of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp  and The Channel 3 Kids' Camp, 73 Times Farm Road, Andover, CT 06232, Tel: 860-742-CAMP, or sign up: Schedule.