Three local bands—plus a tribute band of sorts—will come together on Saturday, April 27, from 4 to 8 p.m., to entertain during the first annual SophiaJam, a concert to benefit a little girl with a rare type of pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS).
Proceeds from SophiaJam will benefit the Sophia Agatone Trust, established in 2012 to help cover the long-term medical and supplemental expenses for 9-year-old Sophia Agatone, diagnosed with MS four years ago. Sophia is the niece of West Chester residents Kevin Agatone and Judy Shaw, owners of flowers by the greenery in downtown West Chester. They intend for this to be a legacy, family-friendly community event for years to come.
Crow’s Feet, Wooden Wire and Who Needs Nigel are seasoned artists who have been playing the local scene for decades. They’ll be joined by fair enough, a band formed specifically for SophiaJam by Matt Agatone, Sophia’s brother, plus his friends and guest musicians. Expect classic rock and modern riffs from this group.
The members of Crow’s Feet—Sharon Spaeder, Bill Spaeder, Pat Doyle, Joe Ruggiero and whomever from the past might make a guest appearance—have been playing together since college … some even longer. This band is known for multi-layered harmonies and an eclectic mix of music. You’ll be treated to cover tunes too numerous to mention from the ’60s through today, including Motown, ’70s and ’80s pop, acoustic versions of songs from the past two decades and a smattering of country. Crow’s Feet is supporting SophiaJam because Bill and Pat have known Kevin and Judy (Sophia’s uncle and aunt) since college; because the entire band has known the Agatones for decades; and because as parents, they simply want to help this family.
Kevin Agatone is in Wooden Wire, along with Mike Rowan, Colin Kaye and Joe Swiacki. The band was created about 12 years ago when Joe and Mike started performing as an acoustic duo. The present iteration, together about four years, plays a variety of folk, blues and both classic and alternative rock. About a third of the show is unplugged with acoustic versions of everything from Van Morrison to REM to Pearl Jam. The electric sets are varied and will get people dancing and having a good time. Wooden Wire is supporting SophiaJam not only for Kevin, but also because many in the band are parents and are hoping to make Sophia’s parents’ job just a bit easier.
Who Needs Nigel was born as a one-time gathering of musicians at the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester for a 2003 potluck social. The then-spoof band was fronted by the contrived “more comedian than singer” Nigel St. Nubbins (Gary Toll), a faded relic from the ’60s British invasion. Turns out the band enjoyed playing together, so when “Nigel” moved out of state, the rest said, “Who needs Nigel, anyway?” A band was re-born. Currently Ed Cohle, Paul Sapko, Craig Talbot, Tom Buglio, Juan Leon and Marie Steel offer up ’60s pop, Latin rhythms, progressive rock, Motown and a lot of ’70s music. Expect psychedelic Pink Floyd, Moody Blues and Jethro Tull along with Aretha Franklin, Linda Ronstadt and Santana. Who Needs Nigel is supporting SophiaJam because of the members’ strong belief in social justice and to support Kevin, who has been Tom’s music student for many years.
It’s clear there’s a strong “we’re all family” theme throughout, and wait until you give a listen to these musical moms and dads. I’ve seen Crow’s Feet and Wooden Wire, and they’re the real deal. Sources confirm Who Needs Nigel and fair enough also rock. Wear your dancin’ shoes because this concert for a cause is going to be one for the record books.
SophiaJam will take place at the American Helicopter Museum in West Chester. In addition to the concert, there will be good eats from Redhound Grille Catering. The evening will feature a raffle for a 15-minute helicopter ride for three winners, which will take place during the event (weather permitting; flies out at 6:30 p.m.). Helicopter rides will additionally be apart of the event, with rides starting at 4:30 p.m. at a rate of $50 per every 6 minutes. Tickets, $20 for adults and $10 for children, are available in advance and include concert admission, buffet and beverages. Order online, or contact Judy at (610) 608-9961 or via email for more information. Credit cards are accepted for payment. Tickets will also be available at the door ($25 for adults, $12.50 for children).
Photos courtesy of sophiajam.com.
