by Andi Bricklin
If I were to put together a compilation of my favorite Philadelphia area artists, my list would go head to head with the track list on the MECA Music Heals benefit CD Movin’ On. Amazing artists like Eric Bazilian, Ben Arnold, and Lauren Hart amongst others have lent their voice to this CD that benefits the victims of child sexual abuse, available now on iTunes.
The Philadelphia Children’s Alliance (PCA) is a nonprofit organization that provides victim support services who coordinate with DHS, SVU and the DA’s office so a child doesn’t have to keep reliving what happened to them and retell their story to each individual agency. In addition to the CD, PCA is holding a benefit concert on 11/6 at the World Café Live in Philadelphia, and all proceeds will benefit PCA.
The concert will feature artist Cliff Hillis, who performs with Dave Uosikkinen’s “In the Pocket”. He states, “I’ve known Kevin & Peg [Minvera- also performing], who started MECA Music Heals, for a number of years. I recorded & produced their band Lotus Hill’s first CD A New Sun, and got to be good friend with Kevin & Peg in the process. We’ve stayed in touch and occasionally played shows together at times. It was a natural progression when they started writing songs for their new band and setting up this benefit that we would work a bit together. I helped record & mix the song “Movin’ On” along with Ritchie Rubini, and that song is not only an anthem for their cause but also the inspiration for the name of the November 6th benefit show at World Cafe Live. I think MECA Music Heals is a wonderful cause and especially since I am friends also with the other performers at this benefit show. I am very glad to be a part of it.”
Delaware-based singer/songwriter Nik Everett will also perform saying that “it is an honor to be included in one of the most important issues of humanity. Very few of us have not been affected. If we have not been violated personally we know or know of someone who has. That is why I jumped at the chance to a write a song and be a part of this project.”
Also performing are Lauren Hart, whose fame extends well beyond her vocal performances of the National anthem at the Philadelphia Flyers games, and a great “one night only” reunion performance from The Caulfields, a major-label band from the 90’s (and one of my personal favorites).
Lead singer of The Caulfields, John Faye, states: “We were honored to be asked to donate a track to the benefit CD, and we did a remake of a song from our second album called “Atlas Daughter.” It basically looks at how important a parent’s relationship with their child is, and how even little things you do for your kids as a parent make a huge difference. Conversely, the things you fail to do can have a negative impact. I wrote this song well before I had kids of my own but now that I’ve been in those shoes, it rings truer now to me than ever. I’m excited to play again with the band; we’ve done reunion shows in the past, but they’ve all been in Delaware which is where we were based. It’s a big deal for us to have the chance to play a great venue in the city, and coming back to support this great cause makes it all the more special.”
This will no doubt be an amazing and spiritual show for a great cause! Get your tickets today and be there for this unforgettable night of music at the World Café Live.
