WESTFIELD – While those impacted by an April 22 fire at the Powdermill Village Apartments continue the difficult task of rebuilding their lives, more than 30 area residents are putting their musical talents together in an inspirational concert to raise funds for the families.
On Sunday afternoon, the beautiful voices singing “Hallelujah,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” and many more filled Sacred Heart Church in Springfield for one of several rehearsals before the main event.
Jeanine Braceland and her daughter, Shea, in the foreground, are coordinating the logistics for a free inspirational concert June 4 to benefit families displaced by an April 22 fire in Westfield.
The free concert is slated June 4 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church on Holyoke Road in Westfield. A free-will offering will take place during the hour-long concert and all money raised will benefit the families.
The idea for the concert came one morning as Shea Braceland, 12, was listening to the Rev. Daniel S. Pacholec of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church discuss the plight of the fire victims during a Mass.
“My family and I were sitting in church and the priest was talking about the apartment fire and it dawned on us that we should further help them and knew how,” said Shea Braceland. “We proposed this idea to Dan Kane (founder of The Dan Kane Singers) and he said of course he would like to do this. From then on we have been working, rehearsing and planning this concert.”
Shea Braceland and Traci Mnich rehearse “Hallelujah” under the direction of accompanist Dan Kane.
Jeanine Braceland, Shea’s mother, echoed those sentiments.
“Shea and I were inspired to do this concert while in church listening to Fr. Dan talk about how the church has been helping the families,” said Jeanine Braceland. “We want to make a difference. I know any amount of money will help, but there are 21 families so all the money needs to be split 21 ways. We pray that the church will be full and we can significantly help.”
Jeanine Braceland noted that all of the singers, along with accompanist Dan Kane, are donating their time and the music will be “popular and inspirational.”
Chloe Reed rehearses “Amazing Grace.”
Singers lending their voices in song will include Lauran Beluzo, Traci Mnich, Fred Marion, John Moriarty, Norman Fiedler, Gerald Chretien, Louis Scungio, Jim Wuller, Keith Freeman, Clem Chelli, David Climo, Joe Sullivan, Kathy Downey, Sue Feyre, Martha Barry-Plotkin, Mary Jo Safford, Doreen Doyle, Marcia Lima, Elizabeth Haller, Lillian George, Chloe Reed, Sophie Lawry, Alexis Anamisis, Alexis Masciadrelli, Emery James, Ayslin Dziedzic, Jean Haughey, Patti Meon, and state Sen. Donald F. Humason Jr.
Shea Braceland will also serve as emcee of the event.
Kane noted the singers will perform a “beautiful concert of hope and inspiration for those families that lost everything,” adding the music will also inspire those who attend in different and unique ways.
Prior to rehearsal, Kane said when he drives by the apartment complex and sees where the fire took place, it is a “heart-breaking scene.”
“If that sight does not motivate you to help others, nothing will,” said Kane. “Shea’s desire to do a fundraising concert speaks volumes about her loving heart and gentle spirit. You cannot be a member of The Dan Kane Singers without understanding and participating in service to others. It has been our mission and cornerstone.”
Shea Braceland, foreground, and ensemble rehearse songs for a June 4 fundraising concert to benefit families impacted by the April 22 fire in Westfield.
Lauran Beluzo, an American Idol contestant, feels blessed to be a part of this endeavor.
“I want to be a part of this concert because I feel it is our responsibility to give back and fill those families with hope in their time of need,” said Beluzo.
Traci Mnich shared similar feelings.
“I was heartbroken to hear of the devastation from this fire and all those affected,” said Mnich. “When Shea first told me about this concert and asked if I could be a part of it, I immediately said yes. I truly believe in using the gifts we’re given to help others, and for me (and what I believe is true for this family of singers), that gift is music. I’m humbled to be a part of a night to benefit those who really need it right now.”
Gerald Chretien and Fred Marion are among the singers donating their time for an inspirational concert slated June 4 to benefit families impacted by the April 22 fire in Westfield.
Jeanine Braceland said the song list is still being finalized at press time but these are some songs that have been rehearsed:
- What a Wonderful World, performed by Shea Braceland.
- How Great Thou Art, Donald F. Humason, Jr. and ensemble.
- Hallelujah, Traci Mnich, Chloe Reed, Shea Braceland, and ensemble.
- I Hope You Dance, Ayslin Dziedzic, Sophie Lawry, Alexis Anamisis, Emery James, Alexis Masciadrelli.
- HE, Traci Mnich and Shea Braceland.
- I’ll Walk With God, Fred Marion.
- Holy, Holy, Holy, performed by ensemble.
- Wind Beneath My Wings, Lauran Beluzo.
- The Impossible Dream, The Pearls (eight women from the ensemble) and DK8 (eight men from the ensemble).
- Amazing Grace, Chloe Reed.
- You Raise Me Up, Ayslin Dziedzic, Sophie Lawry, Alexis Anamisis, Emery James and Alexis Masciadrelli.
- When You Believe/I Believe, Shea Braceland and ensemble.
- Hero, Shea Braceland.
- From A Distance, Traci Mnich.
- Let There Be Peace On Earth, ensemble.
- Remember ME, Fred Marion and ensemble.
- God Bless America, ensemble.
Pacholec extends a welcome to the Greater Westfield community to the church on June 4.
“We are happy to be able to host this inspirational concert at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church to do a small part to assist these families in getting back on their feet,” said Pacholec.
Shea Braceland, who will emcee the June 4 inspirational concert, reviews music selections with singers as accompanist Dan Kane looks on.
Jeanine Braceland concurred.
“We are so excited to sing with our friends, help inspire, and help these beautiful families,” said Braceland.
Kane added that for those attending the concert, it will also be a chance to see and feel the beauty of Blessed Sacrament Church through music.
“For some it will spark an inner reflection into their own lives and it hopefully reignites the need to help others,” said Kane. “I could not be more proud of Shea and it is an honor to be able to participate in this beautiful night of music with such a fabulous group of singers.”
Jeanine Braceland and her daughter, Shea, review a song list prior to a rehearsal Sunday afternoon. More than 25 singers are donating their time to perform in an inspirational concert to benefit the April 22 fire victims in Westfield.
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On a related note, Doreen Bushashia, president of Peabody Resident Services, Inc., the firm that manages the Powdermill Village Apartments, thanked those who continue to assist the fire victims.
“Sometimes the most challenging of situations bring out the best in people and we are truly grateful for all the compassion, service and thoughtfulness the Powdermill Village community has received,” said Bushashia. “We are pleased to say we are very close to locating new homes for most of the displaced families and we will continue our efforts to assist until the remaining few are placed.”
