On Saturday, Sept. 14, from 4 to 10 p.m., musicians, entertainers and people of all ages will be gathering at the Camden Snow Bowl for Elephest 2013. The music festival, previously called Rocktoberfest when it debuted last year, will feature favorite area bands including Creatures of Habit and Just Teachers.
Since the 1980s, Creatures of Habit has been called one of New England’s premier dance bands, and best known for their ability to get people up on their feet. The band is made up of Rick Johnson, Elwood (Zelmo) Doran, Phil Clement, Chris Cokinis, and Ezra Rugg.
The band members are passionate about making and using music to help raise spirits and funds for the community, people in need or causes they care about. Rick Johnson, singer and leader of the band said, “This is my home, my community, my friends and my family. I’m glad to do what I can to help out this great cause”
Just Teachers, winners of 2013 Trekkapalooza, is made up of faculty members and administrators in the Camden Hills Regional School system. Matt Smith isn’t just the assistant principle of Camden-Rockport Middle School, he’s also the band’s principle singer and guitarist. Joining him in creating rollicking rock and roll that students and their parents enjoy in equal measure are Nick “Blaza” Blais on bass, Adam “Bully” Bullard on vocals and guitar, Ian “Kenzo” McKenzie on piano and Piet Lammert on drums. They invite their friends, students and parents from all of the local school systems to come and support Hope Elephants.
Tom Ulichny, founder of the Midcoast Music Academy and graduate of Berklee College of Music will be joining in to share his talents. Ulichny has studied tabla extensively in India, various percussive instruments and styles in both the Virgin Islands and throughout the United States. He will be performing his very unique form of Americana, (Robert Johnson meets Ravi Shankar Blues) in a rare public performance.
Back by special demand to compliment the festive atmosphere at Elephest are performances by the students of Korinnsdance Art and Fitness Center. Last year, the audience stood mesmerized by the choreography, energy and fun as Korinn Scattoloni and her Zumba dancers took the stage.
All proceeds from Elephest will benefit Hope Elephants, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Hope, that is dedicated to caring for aging and injured elephants and educating the public about the plight of elephants worldwide.
“We’re excited to continue this tradition of bringing music lovers, elephant lovers, conservationists and communities together in the spirit of celebration and support,” said Jim Laurita, DVM. Laurita is one of the founders of Hope Elephants and the veterinarian who provides round-the-clock care to the organizations resident pachyderms, Rosie and Opal.
“Elephest is going to be great fun and by attending, people are helping us care for these elephants,” Laurita said.
Tickets are $15 for adults, with special discount of two tickets for $25, and $8 for students.
Ample food and drink will be available for purchase from: 2 Smokin’ Guys, Big Bob’s Big Dawgs, The Smoothie Truck and Mainely Bartenders. Elephest is being sponsored by Margolis Electric Inc., Midcoast Music Academy, Standard Waterproofing and several area families including: Loius and Giavanna Sergi, The Howard-Girard Family, The Guerriero Family, Cathy and Parris Varney, The Sorchini Family.
“We couldn’t do this without the support of our sponsors,” said Dara Sorchini, a volunteer who organizes events for Hope Elephants and whose husband, Gary Clancy is the occasional guitarist for Creatures of Habit. “These businesses and the people who run them are the backbone of our communities. What they’re doing to support Hope Elephants is, pardon the pun, huge. We are extremely grateful.”
For more information or to purchase tickets please email Cindy Hamden at cindyharnden@yahoo.com (please include Elephest in the subject line). For credit card purchases please email Steve Mortimer at smortimer@hopeelphants.org.
Tickets can also be purchased at K2 music in Camden (next to Renys), the Camden Hospital for Animals, at the Hope Elephants Barn, 49 Hatchet Mountain Road, in Hope. Buy in advance and save: two adult tickets for $25 ($15/ticket at the door); two student tickets for $12 ($8/ticket at the door). There is no cost for children under five.
