“The Last Waltz” Concert Fundraiser Raises $6,000 for Toni’s Kitchen
On Thanksgiving 1976, at Bill Graham's Winterland, Americana Rock group The Band presented their final concert with songwriter and lead guitarist, Robbie Robertson, who passed away in August 2023.
On Friday, November 10, 2023, 50 musicians across Northern NJ came together to perform a reenactment of The Last Waltz to benefit one of Montclair's non-profit 501c3 organizations, Toni's Kitchen. Raising $3,000.00 for the holiday season, the event generated widespread attention and garnered interest for a repeat performance of The Last Waltz to Benefit Toni's Kitchen the following year.
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, back by popular demand, live from Montclair Art Museum’s Leir Hall, a sold out audience of 280 people and a live virtual audience came together to support this year’s concert fundraiser.
Selling out 3 days prior to event, The Band’s Last Waltz featured 75 musicians, supported by over 20 sponsors, committed volunteers and the dedicated staff at Montclair Art Museum. This year’s event officially raised $6,000. for Toni’s Kitchen’s holiday season, the news of which rapidly spread across social media platforms by those in attendance and those who otherwise took part in the endeavor.
The livestream remains available for viewing on Facebook and may be accessed by going to ROSTAFA’s fan/business page.
The organizers would like to thank the following people and entities involved with this year’s successful event:
Musicians:
Fabulous Flemtones (Bill Karcher, Andy McGuire, Tim Engle & Tom Monaghan), Ed Alstrom, Maxine Alstrom, Jamie Rivera Jr., George Orlando, The Bailey Bros., Chris Smith, Josh Kessler, Pat Cioffi, Joe Biglin, Big Mamou (John Sherman. Julianne Fenhagen, Jim Fenhagen, Steve Skinner & Billy Loos). Mark Bowers, Mike Griot, Kev Moore, Pat Bitbol, “Wild” Bill Winters, Andrew Scheib, Meg Patrick, Carol Vasquez, Alma Schneider, Gail Campbell, ROSTAFA, Chris Bolger, Michael Bernstein, Garrett, Carlos Hasse, Jim Collins, Paul Crane, TK Walker & Company (Tommy Walker, Andy Fuchs, Wendy Meyer Fuchs, Bill Brady, Clifford Major, Bill Gulino, Michael Onorato), Mike Estler, Bob Mellman, Ben Larkey, Keith McDonald, Eric Oberman, Chris Baird, Chris Shelly, Eric Heilner, Doug Hall, Iris Schaffer-Hall, Jamie Pagliaro, Dave Menez, Mike Schreiber, Tory Anne Daines, Larry “The Lip” Lipschultz, Jeff Foote, Tony Orbach, James Miller, Hunter Dean, Rob Adams, David Silver, Adam Criaris, & Brass Section Ensemble Conductor Richard Grennor
Sponsors:
Parents Who Rock, Montclair Make Music, Precision Tri-State Door Service, JC Music Productions, Watchung Book Sellers, Jose M. Barreiro, Pam Koep & West of Hudson Real Estate, The General Store/Corner Store, Indie Arts Montclair, Montclair Mutual Aid, Montclair Book Store, Reed Root Marketing, Sankofa Café, Village Realtors, Well In Montclair, The Wright Group at Christie's Montclair, Baird Roofing & Exteriors, True Value American Hardware Store, Fume Cigar & Lounge, Dr. Phil, Dr. Adrian Lawrence in addition to silent donors.
Special Thanks & Gratitude:
Montclair Mayor Dr. Reneé Baskerville, NJ State Senator John F. McKeon, Armando Diaz & Out There NJ, Pam Koep, John Muller, Bohemian Aurora, Cheryl Miller Spinelli & Church St. Catering, 201 Doc, Jacquie Daniher, Shannon Gibson, Vivienne & Delilah, WDHA 105.5, WMSC Radio, Radio Free Montclair, Home Grown Radio NJ, Studio 042, West Orange Barn Studio, Smack Tone Studios, Eddie Hulse & Say Watt Sound, Montclair Art Museum & staff, & Toni’s Kitchen.
