In response to the growing need for relief after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, members of the Patchogue Theatre Live in the Lobby "family" have mobilized to present a special concert to raise money in support of the humanitarian efforts of the American Red Cross. The concert will be held on Thursday, January 28th at 7:30 pm in the lobby of the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts and feature popular local performers, including the Michael Jazz Trio, The Loan Sharks, Miles To Dayton, The Sun Gets Down, Iridesense and more. The organizers also plan to have drawings for donated artwork from the Patchogue Arts Council and gift certificates from local restaurants and shops in the Patchogue area. Go to patchoguetheatre.com for more information. Tickets are available at the door or reserve yours by calling 631-207-1313.

The event came to life through the efforts of Theatre board member Christopher Capobianco, Bill Herman of Paradiddle Records, Andrew Steeley of WEHM-FM radio and John Govia of 101.7 “The Beach” radio. "We all felt that there was something we could do, so we started working the phones," said Capobianco. His first call was to Patchogue Village Trustee, Jack Krieger who serves as Liaison to the Theatre. Trustee Krieger helped to secure partial funding for expenses through a sponsorship pledge from the Patchogue First community organization of which he is a member. "I was happy to help get the ball rolling, but we could use a few more sponsors to cover the costs of producing the show. I'm asking for $200 more, and then 100% of what we bring in on the night of the show will go to the Red Cross." If you would like to be a sponsor, or donate items for the drawings, contact Jack Krieger at 631-987-2972 or e-mail jackkrieger@optonline.net.

Trustee Krieger also spoke with Patchogue resident Hamilton Merilus, a native of Haiti who described the plight of family and friends who have suffered in the aftermath of the quake. Mr. Merilus, who is already working with the Red Cross in Medford to raise funds, was enthusiastic about participating in the Live In The Lobby event. "I think we can all make a difference if we work together and I thank the Patchogue Theatre and the Patchogue community for helping the Haitian people in their moment of misery and sadness," he said. Mr. Merilus will be at the event to speak and plans to introduce some Haitian musicians who will perform during the evening.

According to Mr. Capobianco, the Haiti Relief event will be run like a regular Live In The Lobby with limited capacity for about 100 people, but he hopes that more people come by to drop off their donations. "We're keeping the admission price at our usual $10 a person, but will encourage people to reach deeper into their pockets and donate as much as they can afford." The Theatre will also be accepting donations by check only (made out to the American Red Cross) at the Box Office everyday from 12 noon to 6pm or you can mail them to the Patchogue Theatre, Box 2400, Patchogue, NY 11772. Cash donations will be accepted the night of the show as well as checks. The Patchogue Theatre for The Performing Arts is located 71 East Main Street in the heart of Patchogue Village.