Lexington, Ky. - Members of a collection of Lexington blues, rock and funk bands have formed a special group - "The Old Vine Street Social Aid & Pleasure Club" - to produce a blues and R&B Christmas show on behalf of the Toys for Tots program.
(Full disclosure - the writer of this article is among them.)
The show is set for 8 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 3 at Natasha's Bar & Bistro on Esplanade in downtown Lexington. Admission is an unwrapped toy or $8 with proceeds dedicated to the Toys for Tots program.
More than 25 percent of Kentucky's children are living in households getting by on incomes that fall below what the federal government officially defines as poverty. In some counties, the rate exceeds 40 percent. And in a couple, it tops 50 percent.
And those stats don't take into account the most recent impacts of the ongoing economic downturn.
"As I often note to my students, poverty is systemic and complex," said Scott Whiddon, Director of The Writing Center, Assistant Professor of Writing, Rhetoric , and Communication at Transylvania University and founder, lead guitar and vocalist with the local band Palisades.
"At times, it's difficult to think that any individual can make a difference.
It's easy to be cynical.
However, I think that there's agency when acting locally -- and, maybe, even a toy can help, even in a small way."
The Old Vine Social Aid & Pleasure Club is a group of musicians from a variety of Lexington-based bands who, in between gigs with their own bands, enjoy making music with each other. "One of the elements of this project that I enjoy the most is the fact that I met many of these folks about 5 minutes before we played on stage together for the first time -- and, somehow, it seemed to work," said Whiddon.
"While we have different backgrounds, jobs, tastes, political beliefs, and families, we're all steeped in the rich history of American soul and roots music.
We're speaking the same language -- and listening more than talking."
Besides Palisades, local bands represented include The Johnson Brothers (Jim Gleason - guitar/vocals), The City (Maggie Lander - vocals; Tom Martin - keyboards) and Lipstick Pistol (Brian Powers - bass.) Arthur Rouse drives the train on drums and Steve "Fuzzy" Mets brings a soulful blues harmonica into the mix. The musicians are donating their services and time.
"We've been rehearsing as often as possible over the past couple of months," said Martin. "The group has been pulling together a fun show of R&B, Soul, Blues and Motown Christmas classics and some obscure gems that we think will make for a fun way to do something really special for kids who have it hard this holiday season."
"There's no better place to get in the holiday mood than at Natasha's on Saturday, where the Old Vine Social and Pleasure Club will be delivering serious lumps of soul coal that should keep the home fires burning all season long," said Powers.
Toys for Tots
A representative of
will be on hand to collect gifts and proceeds and to ensure the giving goes to children who face a bleak holiday season.
online
Reservations are encouraged and can be made
or by phone at (859) 259-2754