SUNY Fredonia’s student record label, HAIL! Fredonia Records, is partnering with the volunteer organization Friends of Melina’s White Light to host a concert to benefit the charity Melina’s White Light, on Saturday, April 12. It will be held at Clarence Town Park Club House, 10405 Main St., in Clarence, N.Y., from 5 to 10:30 p.m.
Melina’s White Light is a not-for-profit foundation formed to bring attention to neuroblastoma, a cancer normally diagnosed in infants, and to raise funds to support ongoing cancer research. It honors Melina Riniolo, who was diagnosed with a tumor in her left adrenal gland in 2004 when she was 8 years old. After a long, hard fight, she passed away at the age of 14. Annual events are held honoring Riniolo and her fight against this rare cancer.
This free event will feature an acoustic performance by “Ladies First,” a Hail! Fredonia Record Label artist. Ladies First is a not-for-profit musician collective that raises awareness for Western New York charities. Its members include SUNY Fredonia junior Savannah King, a Music Industry major from Wilson, N.Y. Other members include Tina Marie Williams, a HAIL! Fredonia Records artist, and Grace Stumburg, who is also a personal assistant to legendary folk singer/songwriter Joan Baez. In addition, the April 12 Clarence performance will feature an appearance by Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs.
“Although Melina is no longer able to fight, we are happy that Hail! Fredonia Records has the opportunity to give back,” said Armand Petri, coordinator of Fredonia’s Music Industry program. “We hope that all of SUNY Fredonia will get involved in the fight and help us make a serious impact.”
Money raised by downloading Ladies First’s original song, “Believe in Angels,” will be donated to the charity. The song is available for $1. Additional donations can be made directly through this website as well.
In addition to the performance, the event will include family activities such as arts and crafts (5 to 8 p.m.), and an open microphone portion (8 to 10:30 p.m.), following the scheduled performances.
For more information, contact Mr. Petri at armand.petri@fredonia.edu.
