POUGHKEEPSIE – The Foodstock Fund, behind the leadership of Ryan Michael and Lorenzo Angelino, is promoting the twelfth annual “Foodstock” to benefit Dutchess Outreach with funds and non-perishable food. Dutchess Outreach brings a trailer to collect the non-perishable food for their food pantry. Last year, over 1,000 pounds of food was collected at the event.
On Monday, the promoters announced the lineup for the January 11th show at The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie. Recording artist Pat Gasperini and the Patrick James Band will headline the event that also features Sirsy and four other acts. Asked why he has chosen to perform at the charity event, Gasperini said “Foodstock is amazing. It shows how everyone comes together to help people in need and I feel this is the least I can do.” The touring artist added “I’m glad this year my performing schedule worked out so we could help people in need. After all, we are all brothers and sisters in this world and this is what life is all about.”
Melanie Krahmer and her husband Rich Libutti are the duet known as Sirsy. They are veteran performers at Foodstock and have agreed to return. “Foodstock is a Sirsy Family Tradition! This is our 9th Foodstock. Performing there has become one of our most cherished holiday traditions — and the folks that organize and come to the event have become part of our extended family,” said Krahmer.
Sirsy also spends a good deal of traveling, so their appearance at Foodstock is always special, according to promoter Ryan Michael. Krahmer agreed, saying “Rich and I live most of our life on the road, so our family extends to the folks that love and support while we’re on tour. Poughkeepsie always welcomes us with open arms. We’re proud to be a small part of a big event that gives back to so many local families during the holidays. Plus, the concert is a love fest and so much fun! You’ll have to come to experience it fully!”
The annual event was born out of Michael’s and Angelino’s response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. “We felt the need to help those that were devastated by Katrina. After the first Foodstock, Lorenzo and I decided to help the less fortunate here in the Hudson Valley. Dutchess Outreach meets the needs we try to address including hunger and clothing.”
Angelino added that “Dutchess Outreach serves a substantial number of less fortunate people and does so with compassion. We’re honored to be able to help.” Ryan Michael continued by calling Foodstock’s ability to help the less fortunate “The most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life – it’s why I keep doing it.”
Tara Whalen, Associate Director of Dutchess Outreach is honored to work with the Foodstock Fund. “Ryan and Lorenzo, along with the performers and attendees have really helped our organization in our mission to get food to those who need it the most. It’s really heartwarming,” said Whalen.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the show. In addition to the performance of the six bands, there are raffles that Ryan Michael calls “Incredible” and the event is a family-friendly show.
Tickets to the event are $15 per person and can be purchased at The Chance Theater box office which can be reached at 845-471-1966. Tickets will also be available at ticketweb.com in the upcoming weeks.
