To the Editor:

We’re so fortunate, and so grateful, that The Newtown Bee spread the word about the August 31st Panacea and Friends Concert. Associate Editor Shannon Hicks took time to meet with us, listened patiently to our stories, and then wrote two amazing features.

Sometimes it’s difficult to get up in front of a crowd and make sure that everyone has a good time. Panacea has been blessed; the music might not always be perfect, but seeing everyone sing along makes us wish we knew all the words, too! 

We had an all-Newtown lineup, and Manny Pavone was the perfect start. There’s no better person to get everyone on board. If you want to hear how blues should be played, pick up Manny’s album, Wrong Side of the Blues.

Eclipse took the stage next. Their vocal arrangements are the best in the business and their annual Christmas concert at the Meeting House is always sold out. Their album, It's Christmas Now is internationally acclaimed. What a tough act they were to follow!

An event video and photographs will be posted at Panacea Newtown on Facebook. We thank Jerry Gerst for doing live sound. Also, Christian Martirano, president of DesignSounds for his pro audio recording, and Dan Hunt of Lightshifter.com for videotaping. Thanks to Gail Corrow Photography and Kevin Blouin for beautiful photographs, and to our Very Dear Friend, who prefers to remain anonymous, for hiring both of them. 

We are indebted to Amy Mangold and all at Newtown Parks and Recreation: without them, this would not have been possible. Special thanks to TR Paul Inc. of Newtown and LaPietra Custom Marble of Ridgefield for their kind support. Newtown’s Matt Spencer added flair with his extra percussion. Mary Kuhn, Ricky’s wife and best friend, sang one of her own songs with us, a special moment. We’re grateful to Lynne Ballard for supporting us for both Newtown reunions.

But especially we thank our friends, who weathered the weather and stayed until that last note.  It was so much work, but it was so worth it.

Leslie Ballard

for Panacea

40 Tunnel Road, Newtown               September 10, 2014