Cabaret Songwriter Ray Jessel to Headline Fund-Raiser at Sedgewood
New York and Los Angeles cabaret performer Ray Jessel will bring his act to the Arts on the Lake Fund Raiser at the Sedgewood Boathouse on Saturday, Sept. 29
The winner of five MAC Awards, which is the equivalent to the Cabaret’s Oscar, Welsh-born songwriter Jessel got his start on Broadway as the co-composer/lyricist of the Sherlock Holmes musical, “Baker Street.” His songs have been recorded by Louis Armstrong, Peggy Lee, Kate Smith, Sammy Davis Jr., Michael Feinstein and John Pizzarelli.
Located on China Pond, off Route 301, the Sedgewood Boathouse is part of the original Carmel Country Club from 1927.
Titled “A 1920’s House Party,” the fund-raiser for the Lake Carmel Arts organization is one of the events organized for Putnam Reads: The Great Gatsby.
In addition to dinner, dancing and a silent auction, the Organizing Committee, headed by Mary Beth Minton and Lorraine Rosenquest, are planning short performances by musicians and actors who have appeared at Arts on the Lake, including a Prohibition-era raid and other “spontaneous” happenings during the reception starting at 5:30 p.m.
Sue Gamache, Arleen Larzelere and Roy Volpe are assembling and coordinating the silent auction.
Tickets for the dinner, entertainment and party are priced at $50 per person. All donations above that amount, up to a total of $5,000, will be matched by a challenge grant from the Anne Anastasi Charitable Foundation, of which Jonathan Galente is the president.
“It is important to have these fund-raisers so that prices for our other performances, workshops and classes can be modestly priced to encourage wide participation,” Arts on the Lake Executive Director James Shearwood said.
“Early responses have been gratifying,” Shearwood said. “And many who cannot attend the fund-raiser are contributing to the matching grant.” Donations may be mailed to Arts on the Lake, 640 Route 52, Kent Lakes, NY 10512.
There is more information at www.artsonthelake.org. Reservations and inquiries can be made to rsvp@artsonthelake.org. Messages can be left at 845-228-2685.
