Come Together
Music scene showing support

     The nation's Sept. 11 tragedies may be a month gone, but they are not forgotten, especially in the local music community.

     Like most people nationwide, our local musicians and promoters are asking how they can help with such immense disaster. They've found one answer to that question with benefit concerts that are too numerous to mention, with generosity that shows no sign of stopping. And despite the meager earnings the local scene -- one many describe as 'dead' -- often offers, still promoters and musicians so generously give to those in need, despite their own need.

     One example out of many is Kristin Palmisano, founder of Unity Productions, a record company and promotion company for young punk and ska bands in the area. Palmisano, still in high school, decided to put on such benefit concerts, but found herself lacking a venue for host.

     On Sept. 21, she managed to transform a church facility into a concert hall, complete with five bands performing powerfully. St. Pauls Church, nearby Palmisano's Bradley Beach home in Ocean Grove, served as host for 94 Percent, Crock Pot, Libido, Something to Say and Grounded for Life, in a concert that raised $750 for the American Red Cross.

     Despite the church's availability, Palmisano hopes to take Unity Productions's benefit shows to many other locations, even in New York City. (continued on page 3)