LAKE COUNTY >> On Friday, April 27 from 7-10 p.m., the Spring Sulphur Fire Benefit will be held at the Soper Reese Theatre at 275 S. Main Street in Lakeport. This is the 10th benefit concert for Lake County fire survivors produced by Spotlight On Productions in partnership with The Time Bank of Thrive Lake County and other community volunteers.
The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra will be bringing their 9 piece soul revue for our dancing pleasure. This impressive band includes a 3 piece brass section with: Charles McNeal on sax, Derek James on trombone, and newest member Bill Ortiz on trumpet. Bill is recently off a 17 year stint with Carlos Santana, and played with Toni, Tone, Tony for 10 years. Drummer D’Mar is one of California’s most coveted drummers due to his excellent chops and exciting, athletic leaps. Bass player Paul Olguin and Tony “Macaroni” Lufrano on keyboards have many years experience mastering the funk with Bay Area bands.
Band leader Anthony Paule played the first benefit concert by Lake County Fire Recovery Benefits, along with members of Elvin Bishop’s back up band and Alvon Johnson. Anthony is a veteran guitarist who has toured and recorded with Charlie Musselwhite, Boz Scaggs, Maria Muldaur, Norton Buffalo, John Nemeth and Lake County favorite Nancy Wright.
This soul orchestra backs traveling vocalists Frank Bey and Wee Willie Walker, with whom they have been nominated for Blues Music Awards for several years. The band is up for 5 nominations this year and will once again play the awards ceremony in Memphis in May. Over the past 4 summers, they have played to huge audience acclaim at the Poretta Soul Festival in Italy and the Maspalomas Soul Festival in the Canary Islands where they have become the backing band for many well known soul legends. Their recent performances in Northern California have been selling out, so advance tickets are encouraged for the April 27 concert.
For the Spring Sulphur Fire Benefit, two compelling vocalists have been invited to bring gal power to the Soper Reese: Terrie Odabi and Loralee Christensen. Terrie has been gaining increased visibility on the Bay Area soul and blues scene in recent years. Her powerful, impassioned vocal delivery and vibrant command of the stage brings to mind another Bay Area songstress, Etta James. The relatable lyrics of her original songs earned her two Blues Music Awards nominations in 2017. Loralee Christensen’s three octave range has kept her in demand at live events, in recording studios and as a commercial voice over artist since the 1980’s. Loralee’s big voice and huge heart have won her rave reviews throughout her tours with the band. Lake County fans should be excited to see her on the Soper Reese stage, after her performance at the Halloween Spirits Benefit had to be cancelled due to the fires.
Proceeds from ticket sales, raffle and the silent auction will be directed to the NCO Sulphur Fire Fund. Proceeds from wine, beer, soda and water sales will help Hope City purchase supplies to rebuild homes lost in the 2015-7 Lake County fires. Members of the Big Valley Hall will sell homemade desserts to help improve the hall for future benefits.
All seats will be reserved and the dance floor will be open. Table seats cost: $25, center loge: $20, side loge: $15. Like the February 3rd Sulphur Fire Benefit, this benefit concert is expected to sell out, so get your tickets now. Tickets can be purchased online: www.soperreesetheatre.com, in person at the Soper Reese Theatre box office or at The Travel Center, 1265 S. Main St, Lakeport, or by phone at: 707-263-3095.
A few tables remain available for sponsors who would like to promote their business. If interested in becoming a sponsor, or donor to the silent auction, email SpotlightOn999@gmail.com, or leave a message at 707-278-7126. Event updates are on Facebook at Lake County Fire Recovery Benefits.
