by Julia A. Reischel

The Somerville community came together to provide relief to the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami at a benefit concert sponsored by The Somerville News, hosted by Alderman-at-large William A. White Jr.

"I want to thank the bands tonight," said White. 

"They’re volunteering their time and talents for a worthwhile cause. These are the ways we can make a difference," he said.

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"Instead of our normal Friday night show, we thought we’d create a special program that would raise money for people who are in the worst possible way," said Neil W. McCabe, the paper’s editor-in-chief.

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Three area bands—Brian Webb Band, Mittens, and Endway—donated performances to raise money for the Little Sisters of the Poor. The international Catholic order runs three houses in Sri Lanka, one of which has

become home to many tsunami refugees. 

The order is known locally for its Jeanne Jugan Residence located at 186 Highland Ave.

Its facilties on Highland Avenue The nunnery is also a local Somerville institution with a house on Highland Ave.

Alderman-at-large Dennis Sullivan was present with girlfriend Melissa Hurley. "I’ve been reading a lot about the tsunami and seeing it on the news, so we thought we’d come support the local bands and do good at the same time," he said.

Singer-songwriter Brian Webb kicked off the night with a set of complex compositions featuring inspired harmonies. Drummer Jeff D. Berlin, guitarist Austin Nevins, bassist Brendan Riley and Sean W. Staples, who sang and played mandolin, joined him.

"Playing with your friends, having a couple beers, and helping out people halfway around the world—it’s as good as getting paid," said Staples, whose skillful mandolin riffs drew applause from the crowd.

"It’s a great benefit," said Nevins, who had friends who survived the tsunami in their Indian hometown.

"They’re back in India now, organizing people to help," Nevins said. "Only one of the fishermen in the village died, but all their stuff was destroyed. My friends are hoping to buy the villagers new boats."

As Toast heated up, Mittens, a pop-rock trio that sounds like the best of the early Beatles, took the stage with Andy Brooks on bass, guitar and vocals, Tom Novotny on guitar, bass and vocals, and Nick Buni on drums.

"It’s an incredible opportunity to help out," said Brooks. "The tsunami is so much more removed from our culture than 9/11, because it happened in a part of the world that we don’t think about much. It’s heartbreaking."

Robert J. Reardon and Elke R. Urban came all the way from Woburn to hear Mittens play. "We came both for the cause and the bands," said Reardon. "There’s not exactly a big music scene in Woburn."

By the time the headliner, Endway, a Medford-based rock group, began its set, Toast was packed. Morgan A. Dorr, the lead singer and guitarist, seemed to know the entire crowd by name.

The show was a great success with total proceeds exceeding $1020.00. Those earnings will be matched by a fund of over $15,000.00 donated by local businesses.

At a time when the people of Somerville are eager to help Chris Burns, guitarist for Endway summed up the efforts of the night.

"I would like to express my condolences for those who have suffered in the recent tragedies of South Asia and Africa. I have faith that we will all come together and aid those in need."