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T he 2nd “For Those We Love” jazz
concert was produced by Louise
Rogers and Peter Eldridge to
benefit the Alzheimer’s Association,
NYC Chapter and featured the
Louise Rogers/Rick Strong Duo,
Jane Monheit, Paquito D’Rivera
and New York Voices on April 22nd
at Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman
Center. The concert was hosted by
Bill Ritter, WABC-TV’s “Eyewitness
News” Anchor.
Contemporary jazz greats
delivered soaring performances
at the 2nd jazz concert “For Those
We Love,” which benefi ted the
Chapter. The unique fundraiser was
the brainchild of jazz artists Peter
Eldridge and Louise Rogers, whose
mothers were both diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s disease. Also on the
bill were Paquito D’Rivera, Jane
Monheit and the New York Voices.
Long-time Alzheimer’s advocate
and Chapter supporter, WABC-TV
news anchor Bill Ritter, served as
the evening’s host. Mr. Ritter said,
“Like many here tonight, I have a
personal tie to Alzheimer’s — my father died from this disease 11 years
ago. I’m telling all of you in this room who don’t have a connection
to the disease now that you will at some point in your lives, because the
numbers are growing. We need a bailout for Alzheimer’s.”
 After a warm-hearted welcome, Ms. Rogers wowed the crowd with
her pure, agile voice and vocal gymnastics. She sang new and old favorites
backed by her husband, bassist Rick Strong, and fabulous band, Andy Biskin
and Jerry Korman, then shared remembrances about her experience as a
young teen seeing her mother diagnosed with the disease. She dedicated
her performance of “I Thought About You” to her mother.
The evening evolved with a knockout performance from the muchanticipated
Jane Monheit, who captured every heart in the crowd with her
first number, a stripped-down duet of the beloved Joni Mitchell song “A
Case of You,” accompanied by Mr. Eldridge on piano and voice.
Grammy Award-winning
jazz legend Paquito D’Rivera,
whose father died of
Alzheimer’s, heated things
up with his sultry saxophone
style. He thrilled the crowd
with soulful improvisations,
adding a brilliant layer to
Ms. Monheit’s bossa nova
rendition, and brought the
house down with his solo
set. His passion invigorated
the crowd, who thanked him
with thunderous applause
after each solo.
 Mr. Eldridge, Lauren
Kinhan, Kim Nazarian and
Darmon Meader of the New
York Voices, the Grammy Award-winning vocal group, wove intricate
harmonies over a range of rhythms and dynamics. Their tight and
highly skilled performance was a visual and auditory delight, which
was fascinating and deeply touching at the same time. Another high
point of the evening were the combined forces of Paquito D’Rivera
with the New York Voices.
Not to be overlooked, we were fortunate to have with us the
“instrumental” genius of saxophonist Darmon Meader, trombonist/
percussionist Jay Ashby, Alon Yavni on piano, Paul Nowinski on bass
and Ben Wittmen on drums.
Chapter President and CEO Lou-Ellen Barkan closed the
program with gracious thanks to the artists, audience members, and
Mr. Ritter for their highly-entertaining and priceless support.
A “Meet the Artists” reception followed the benefi t performance with
an array of food and drink. All of the artists attended, which gave concert
patrons an opportunity to mingle, take photos and give their thanks to the
performers for donating their time and talent in support of the Alzheimer’s
Association.
Many thanks to our benefi t concert sponsors — Broadway Baker,
Starbucks Coff ee, Park Avenue Liquor Shop, Delmonico Gourmet,
WFAN Sports Radio 66, El Diario and The Queens Ledger.
— Erin Farrell and Susan Sugarman
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