HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2005 STARS OVER HASTINGS BENEFIT CONCERT On June 4, 2005, the eighth annual "Stars over Hastings" benefit brought together professionals affiliated with groups from the Tokyo String Quartet to the Rolling Stones donating their time and talent to raise money for the Hastings Education Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching programs and facilities at our district's three schools.

The evening began with an enthusiastic celebration of classical music with musicians from Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, and Ardsley combining their talents in marvelous performances.   Janet Arms, Mihae Lee, and Sachi Patitucci perform Carl Maria von Weber's Flute Trio in G Minor, Op. 63.

Marc Goldberg and Clive Greensmith perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Sonate for Bassoon and Cello in B-flat Major, K. 292.

Martin Beaver, Chizuko Ishikawa, Mana Primrose-Beaver, Clive Greensmith, and William Purvis perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Horn Quintet in E-flat Major, K. 407.

A highlight of the evening was the warm farewell for retiring Hillside Elementary School Principal Marilyn Wishnie, who made a guest appearance after intermission to draw the names of raffle winners with the Stars' host, Kevin O'Rourke.

A special surprise was literally waiting in the wings for Mrs. Wishnie when her California-based daughter appeared to give her mother a wonderful serenade.

Saxophonist and former Hastings resident, Tim Ries, whose most recent CD was inspired by the writings of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, led his trio through a wonderful medley of jazz classics and his new compositions.  Hastings residents David Janeway and Loryn Altscher joined Ries along with distinguished sidemen James Genus on bass and Greg Hutchinson on drums.

Loryn Altsher, a local favorite at Blu, adds her vocal stylings to Tim Ries' trio.

Photos: Susan Rutman Gaertner.

-----------------------------------------------------------------   HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2004 STARS OVER HASTINGS BENEFIT CONCERT

Sometimes an audience looks forward to an event and is content not to be disappointed.  Other times, concertgoers dutifully show up and are pleasantly surprised.  And then there is the rare event that produces that singular rush of astonishment. Janet Arms, Sandra Miller, and Marc Goldberg perform J.S. Bach's Trio Sonata for 2 Flutes and Bassoon in G Major, BWV 1039. So it was at the high school auditorium on June 5, when the annual "Stars Over Hastings" concert achieved a synthesis of artistry and bonhomie that roused even the most phlegmatic among the crowd.  In its "seventh sensational" incarnation, the Foundation fund-raiser virtually shimmered with joy, brilliance and heart. Actor Kevin O'Rourke brought unabashed warmth and playful wit to his duties as host. The ensemble performances of Bach, Paganini and Brahms were alternately stunning, graceful and intense, providing a taste of chamber music at its most magnetic.

Mihae Lee and Joel Krosnick perform Nicolo Paganini's Variations on a theme by Rossini for Cello and Piano.

The jazz portion of the program, which included an unannounced appearance by piano virtuoso and renowned psychiatrist David Janeway, was an exuberant amalgam of idioms and improvisation.

Gary Smulyan, baritone saxophone, Paul Gill, bass, Billy Drummond, drums, and guest David Janeway on piano.

The Hastings Education Foundation is eternally indebted to and endlessly inspired by the professional musicians -- Janet Arms, Martin Beaver, Marc Goldberg, Clive Greensmith, Chizuko Ishikawa, Joel Krosnick, Mihae Lee, Sandra Miller, Andrea Saposnik, Gary Smulyan, Nancy Theeman and Calvin Wiersma -- who are also our neigbors, and thanks Gary's colleagues Billy Drummond, Paul Gill and Pete Malinverni for sharing their talents in an evening of music dedicated to our children's futures. As is often the case when superlatives run their course, the obvious conclusion is that you simply had to be there. For those who were, the energy, passion and optimism of this "Stars Over Hastings" are a glittering reminder of community at its best.

Martin Beaver, violin, Mihae Lee, piano, Clive Greensmith, cello, and Calvin Wiersma, viola, perform Johannes Brahms' Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25

Andrea Saposnik, Chizuko Ishikawa and Nancy Theeman perform Johannes Brahms' Two Songs for Mezzo-soprano, Viola and Piano, Op. 91.

Host Kevin O'Rourke and Knicks announcer Mike Walczewski give the raffle drawing the full Madison Square Garden treatment.

Text: Lauren Casper. Photos: John Maggiotto.