PORT TOWNSEND — Some of Port Townsend’s best-known musical voices will come together Friday in a benefit for programs at Blue Heron Middle School.
“Schools have lost funding in the last few years, and a lot of things won’t happen without our help,” said Blue Heron PTA fundraising coordinator Heather Taracka, who is organizing the benefit.
“We’ve paid for a lot of programs and activities, and we want to keep that going.”
PT Palooza begins at 7 p.m. Friday at Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2333 San Juan Ave.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, and are available either at the door or at Crossroads Music, 2100 Lawrence St., Port Townsend.
Featured performers are Simon Lynge, George Rezendes, Jenna Marit, Aimee Ringle, Sue Logg and Ahmad and Kreea Baabahar.
Each artist will play three or four songs, and there will be some musical collaborations, Rezendes said.
In addition to the music, several area artists have donated original pieces that will be raffled off.
Taracka said the event will be the PTA’s major fundraiser this year, and she hopes to raise $4,000.
The venue has a 200-seat capacity, and Taracka said she “is hoping for a sellout.”
She said the PTA took in around $8,000 last year and currently has $2,000 in the bank.
The PTA receives requests from teachers to provide books and school supplies, and pay for events, such as annual visits from the Pacific Science Center.
Music programs also will benefit.
“Music programs are very important in schools because, even if you never do it for a living, music can give you a lifetime of pleasure,” Rezendes said.
“It’s a rewarding pastime and can be a serious hobby for people well into their old age,” he said.
“People still play music in their 80s and 90s long after they have stopped playing sports.”
Taracka said the PTA has established a permanent fundraising role for Blue Heron since it is considered unlikely that state funding will be restored.
She said a concert is an effective fundraising tool, more so than running a bake sale or going door to door.
“I don’t like sending kids door to door to sell stuff that people don’t need,” Taracka said.
“Most people buy from the kids because they feel bad and want to contribute to the school, and the kids hit up the same people over and over again.
“So going to a concert is a good way to raise money because you reach different people, and they get value for their money: a nice night out listening to some very good music.”
For more information about the Blue Heron PTA, visit http://tinyurl.com/bfeuthp.
________
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
