'ROMEO' concert a benefit for Groovetrail
<p>From left, Eric Michael Krop, Erica von Kleist and Tony Hernandez rehearse on Tuesday, March 29, in Whitefish.</p>
<p>Erica von Kleist practices "Beautiful Music" as she and Tony Hernandez rehearse at his home in Whitefish. They were rehearsing for "ROMEO" (Retired Old Man Entertaining with Others) which takes place Friday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Proceeds from the event benefit Grootetrail’s Gift of Music Program. </p>
“ROMEO,” or Retired Old Man Entertaining with Others, is a benefit concert event, kicking off April for a good cause.
On Friday, April 1, Tony Hernandez (the Retired Old Man) will take center stage at the O’Shaughnessy Center. He will be joined by Erica von Kleist, Betsi Morrison and Eric Michael Krop (the Others) for a night of jazz club-style music and entertainment.
The concert will serve as a benefit for Groovetrail, a local nonprofit organization designed to bring live music and music education to those in the Flathead Valley who need it most. The organization provides live concerts and workshops for local schools, hospices, veterans’ homes, hospitals, shelters, retirement communities, nursing homes and community centers. Groovetrail also offers private music lessons and instrument sponsorships for young students who qualify.
The funds raised from this performance will specifically benefit Groovetrail’s new Gift of Music Program, which is a series of free concerts and performances that are produced throughout the Flathead Valley, focusing especially on audiences who may not otherwise be able to attend live music events. These concerts include performances in hospitals, hospice centers, senior living facilities, veterans’ homes and shelters.
“I hope this show serves as an opportunity to get the word out as to what Groovetrail is trying to do,” said von Kleist, Groovetrail’s founder. “The Gift of Music Program is off to a good start, and any way we can get the community involved ... It’s going to be a very positive experience for everyone. I’m very thankful for the community support so far.”
Hernandez, previously from New York City and Los Angeles, has lived in the Flathead Valley since retiring from a sports broadcasting career in 2005. He said performing on stage rather than behind a microphone in a studio was always a dream.
He was finally able to realize that dream when he moved to the Flathead. He has appeared in many Whitefish Theatre Co. shows, musical and dramatic, since 2005.
This will be his first opportunity to showcase his singing talents solo.
“Nothing scares me more than getting up in front of people,” Hernandez said. “I’m nervous, I’m excited ... Let’s see if this old guy can still entertain.”
Hernandez said he uncovered some old music charts he had put together in his younger years when cleaning out boxes one day, and he decided not to waste them. A friend recommended he contact von Kleist about putting a show together.
“I love the vibe of sheet music,” von Kleist said. “This [collaboration] was a chance to dive into new territory, and it’s been a really fun challenge.
“And to have Betsi and Eric on board; it’s a great pairing of talent.”
“ROMEO” will be held Friday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish, with jazz club-style cabaret seating. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. There will also be several raffles. All of the proceeds from the event will go to Groovetrail’s Gift of Music Program.
Tickets for “ROMEO” are $15, available in advance at www.groovetrail.org, or $20 at the door as available the night of the show.
For more information, visit www.groovetrail.org, email contact@groovetrail.org, or call 406-270-9908.
Entertainment Editor Stefanie Thompson can be reached at 758-4439 or ThisWeek@dailyinterlake.com.