OPERATION KATRINA RELOCATION CONCERT PRESENTS "THE KATRINA KONCERT" IN NJ!

October 25, 2005 (Press Release) -- Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church in Cedar Knolls NJ sponsored "The Katrina Koncert" on Saturday October 22, 2005 at the Bickford Theatre in Morristown NJ. The church has been involved with relocating families from the Hurricane ravaged New Orleans area in order to help give them a new start on life in a new area of the country. Many local artists (some famous and some not so famous) donated their time and efforts to do their part and raise awareness as well as financial aide for approximately twenty five displaced families. All proceedes are targeted to assist and supplement the families as many will be housed temporarily with local residents until they can get their feet back on the ground. Beth Vecchio who is the artistic director of the Wilkie Theatre at Morristown-Beard School served as MC for the event. The evening opened with a touching introduction by Beth Vecchio who was followed by Janina Sebesky. Janina is a singer songwriter and pianist and musical director for the Emmy-nominated children's television show Allegra's Window. She opened the show performing an original composition written just days after Hurricane Katrina entitled "I'm Waiting Right Here". Also on the bill was Ann Marie Jarka-Hajjar a Miss America Talent Award recipient who has worked with Marvin Hamlish, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Donna Sunmmer. She performed Testify To Love. Providing the only comedy for the evening was Comedian Larry Cutrone. Larry is a Writer, Musician, Entertainer, and Comedian who plays Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele and sings in English and Italian. Larry recorded with Rock n' Roll pioneer record producer Wayne Stierle and also wrote songs for Chubby Checker. Larry was Rodney Dangerfield's regular opening act and has guested on numerous cable television and radio shows including the Joe Franklin Show. Larry's 1970's radio show The Country Cousins Radio Show" was recently inducted into the NJ AM Radio Museum. Larry also wrote, starred in, and directed the syndicated sketch comedy TV series Manhattan Alive. In addition to these and many other local acts was the great jazz artist Rio Clemente. Rio is a native of Morristown and a member of the NJ Jazz Hall of Fame. He has been nominated Professional Artist of the year by the arts council of the Morris Area. NJ Monthly Magazine named him its "Top 40 New Jerseyans" and the NJ Jazz Society named him Musician of the Year. Rio performed a stunning Gershwin medley as well as several other inspired renditions that electrified the very appreciative crowd. Financial donations are welcome and may be sent to: Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church, 75 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927.