Peña/Folk Night
Review March 31st 2006 event
Posted Monday, May 29, 2006
A great night was held at the Latin American House in the Addison Road Community Centre, Marrickville a few weeks ago, hosted by the Bright Star Singers.
The main purpose was to raise funds for Bolivian children. In this instance the recipients of the funds were CEEDUSA, an organization dedicated to improving educational opportunities for sight-impaired children in El Alto, near La Paz, Bolivia.
"We were really thrilled with the response," said Mary-Jane Field, director of the Bright Star Singers. "People were very generous. Entry was by donation, and we had a raffle and sales of delicious South American snacks. We managed to collect $500 to send to this group."
The funds are being sent to Bolivia via diplomatic channels, through the Bolivian consul in Sydney, Antonio Morón Nava. When receiving the cheque from the choir Antonio thanked everyone most sincerely, commenting that in that part of the world $500 makes a really big impact.
"It was a great night for the choir," said Bill Bekric, president of the group. "Not only did we all have a wonderful time but we have been able to make a sizeable donation to a very worthy cause -- disadvantaged Bolivian children. We were also pleased to give a percentage from the proceeds to Mary-Jane for her Cantata for Domitila project."
During the evening the Bright Star Singers presented two brackets of their signature repertoire, which features Australian and other folk music as well as some favourite 70's pop songs. The West Girls (3 Kids and a Mum) sang original arrangements of contemporary music, there was a stirring flamenco dance demonstration, Jackie Buswell entertained with a poem, and the evening ended with Bolivian folk music and salsa for dancing from the Bolivian concert party, led by Jorge Sabag.
