Concert Preview—

NYS Benefit By Hat City Blues Band

By Shannon Hicks

Newtown Youth Services will benefit from money raised by a Hat City Blues Band concert on Friday, May 16. The band will be performing in Edmond Town Hall’s Alexandria Room from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. Donations will be requested at the door; $8 is being suggested. Tickets are available in advance at C.H. Booth Library and Newtown Youth Center’s offices. Donations can also be paid at the door.

The band is made up guitarist and keyboardist Ron Caruso, harmonica player David Lott, guitarist and lead vocalist Ed Pryzby, drummer Bill Morris, and bassist and vocalist Gary LeVan. All of the guys are from the area; Mr Lott is a Newtown resident.

Hat City Blues Band made its debut in February and is concentrating on playing covers right now, ranging from stuff by John Mayall, Dylan, Jethro Tull, and Santana to Robert Cray, The Allman Brothers, and, of course, Hendrix and B.B. King. While all five members can offer suggestions on what songs to add to the band’s repertoire, a song has to fit into the vocal range of Mr Pryzby, the lead vocalist.

The band’s sets range from “bluesy blues to danceable blues,” one band member said.

“We’ve had several gigs now and people see us as a lot of fun, a good time,” David Lott said.

In addition to the band’s performance on May 16, refreshments will be available and raffles will be held. Members of NYS Youth Advisory Board will be selling the refreshments.

While donations at the door will help raise a large portion of the evening’s funds, the band is hoping to find sponsors for the event both for monetary donations to be forwarded to Newtown Youth Services and/or donations of goods and services for the raffle. A number of businesses and individuals have already promised to sponsor the benefit.

For additional sponsor or show information contact David Lott, 270-9357.