By Laura Bailey
An entertaining evening of music and comedy will be held at Crystal Bees on Saturday to benefit Brian’s Angels Homeless Outreach. The annual summer fundraising event “Angelfest” will feature entertainment from acclaimed local and national performers.
“This is our third year hosting a summer concert,” said Brian’s Angels executive director Pat Stebbins, “and they’re always a blast. I’m so grateful to everyone involved in Angelfest and to all of our volunteers; we couldn’t do this without them.”
The fundraising event will open with a performance from stand-up comedian Linda Belt. The New Jersey native has performed at comedy festivals throughout the United States and Canada, including the Detroit Comedy Festival, Long Island Comedy Festival and Women in Comedy Festival.
“Comedy is new to the fundraiser this year,” said event planner Michael Cansdale. “I think a lot of people are excited about that.”
Angelfest will be held at Crystal Bees in Southington on Saturday, July 22, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. General admission tickets are $25 and VIP seating is available for $35. Guests must be 21 and over to attend the concert.
Proceeds from the fundraising event will help fund the many services that Brian’s Angels provides to those struggling with homelessness and food insecurity. The number of daily clients in need of those services provided by Brian’s Angels has tripled since 2020.
“Three years ago, we were feeding 20-25 people,” said Stebbins. “Today we fed 59. We’ve had days where we’ve seen 65 people come through our doors this summer. They’re soaked, exhausted and they need our help.”
In addition to offering hot and cold meals, Brian’s Angels provides clients with clothing, shelter opportunities, bus passes for CTFastrak, vouchers for Grime Busters Laundromat and more.
Local favorites Jeff Summa and the Roasters are returning to the stage for their fifth Brian’s Angels benefit concert. The six-piece jam band based out of Litchfield are known for their original songs that feature a unique fusion of psychedelic rock and blues. Winners of the 2019 CTNow Best of Hartford Readers Poll, Someone You Can X-Ray, will take the stage at 7:15 p.m.
“Jeff Summa has been our savior when it comes to the concerts.” said Stebbins. “He put together the lineup for the benefit over the winter and he got Someone You Can X-Ray to join this concert. I’m so happy that both bands are coming back. I’m excited, it’s going to be a great show.”
“Jeff Summa and the Roasters have played a bunch of the Brian’s Angels concerts and they’re always a hit with the audience,” said Mike Cansdale. Jeff’s a really good guy. Someone You Can X-Ray played at the December concert and they were great. We’re glad to have them back.”
The benefit concert will conclude with a performance from nationally renowned guitarist Jeff Pevar. The 2016 NY Blues Hall of Fame inductee has toured the world with numerous musicians, including David Crosby, Joe Cocker and Phil Lesh and Friends.
The lineup and schedule for Angelfest can be viewed below:
- 6:30 p.m. Linda Belt
- 7:15 p.m. Someone You Can Xray
- 8:30 p.m. Jeff Summa and the Roasters
- 9:45 p.m. Jeff Pevar Group
To learn more about Brian’s Angels, visit https://briansangels.org.
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
