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Healing Artist, Bill Syniar was surprised on his regular day at Children’s Memorial Hospital when Marie Osmond walked into the oncology playroom, where he regularly performs music with the children there. Marie sat in on a few holiday carols with Bill and visited with the kids.
Photo courtesy of Linda Matlow
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Steve Edwards & David Chriboga entertain
at the Rush Cancer Center
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| Cellist Petar Kecenovici and guitarist David Kav of Classical Blast, along with Healing Artist Bill Syniar, entertain at the University of Chicago Radiology Oncology holiday party. |
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The Power of Music & Art
Our Healing Arts musical elves spread holiday cheer by performing a series of free mini concerts December through January in the oncology departments of University of Chicago Medical Center and Rush University Medical Center.
Musicians Steve Edwards & David Chiriboga of Guitarra Azul treated patients to traditional Christmas carols, along with a little Johnny Cash, when a patient requested to sing “Ring of Fire” with them. Healing Artists Bill Syniar, of R-Gang, and Petar Kecenovici, of Classical Blast, joined forces on guitar and cello, respectively, garnering rave reviews for not only treating patients to standards, but also adding a little Pink Floyd & Metallica to the mix, which patients found to be both fun and surprisingly soothing. At one Rush performance, a patient—and vocalist—sat in with them, luring an audience of doctors, nurses and social workers to the reception area to watch. Bill and Petar were joined by Classical Blast guitarist-vocalist, David Kav to provide music to University of Chicago’s Radiology Oncology holiday party. They were joined by patients, family members and staff for carolling, laughter and fun. Bill & Petar also provided music at Bernard Mitchell’s stem cell and oncology units.
Overall, the concerts were a huge success. The positive feedback we’ve received from doctors, patients and administrators has been overwhelming. Thank you to our Healing Arts musicians for the generosity of their time and for reinforcing that music can be powerful therapy and truly heal the soul.
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Caring Arts Foundation president and keyboardist, Phil Balsano, with guitarist Eric Haddad,
received their own share of accolades when they performed at Rush Cancer Center over the holidays |
Say Cheese!
Once again it was time for our quarterly visit to Children’s Memorial Hospital to photograph children and their families. With the help of photographers Ray, Sharon, and Jennifer Weigand, we convert an oncology unit lounge into a photo studio complete with wardrobe and props
for infants, toddlers, young children and teens with cancer and their siblings. Then, our photographers work their magic, charming even the most reluctant toddler into striking a pose. Parents receive a full set of photos to treasure or share with friends and family, courtesy of Caring Arts Foundation. |
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Proceeds benefit Caring Arts Foundation and Little Kids Rock,
a national
nonprofit
that transforms children's lives
by
restoring and revitalizing
music education in disadvantaged
public schools.
For additional info, visit the Haymakers
Group
page on Facebook. |
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Save the Date!
February 26, 2 p.m.—11 p.m.
Haymakers Reunion Event
Durty Nellie’s
180 N. Smith St., Palatine
A benefit for Caring Arts Foundation and Little Kids Rock
Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, the Haymakers nightclubs in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs were a breeding ground for Midwest based superstars Cheap Trick, Survivor, Head East, and literally hundreds of local bands, as well as national headliners. Haymakers closed for good in 1984. A group of regular patrons, former employees, and the many local bands that performed there have decided the time is right for a reunion.
Do you remember a band from that era called Tantrum? This seven-member rock group released two albums on Chicago's Ovation Records label and a third (released in 2005) as part of a compilation. Tantrum was composed of three female singers, Pam Bradley, Sandy Caulfield, and Barb Erber, as well as guitarist Ray Sapko, keyboardist Phil Balsano, bass guitarist Bill Syniar, and drummer Vern Wennerstrom. Tantrum will “reunite” to perform for this event, with Mike Arturi on drums (Lovin’ Spoonful/Badfinger) and Claire Massey sitting in for Barb Erber, as well as a few surprise special guests! They will perform music from their three albums.
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The popular band Tantrum in 1980 featured (left to right) Pam Bradley, Ray Sapko,
Vern Wennerstrom, Sandy Caulfield, Caring Arts President Phil Balsano, Barb Erber
and Foundation Healing Artist Bill Syniar |
Other former Chicago bands performing include Dreamer, Hounds, Bitch, Pezband All Stars, One-Arm Bandit and MadFox, as well as the Little Kids Rock band. Legendary Chicago radio DJ Mitch Michaels and Dirty Dan Buck, singer of The Boyzz will be emcees. The night will end with a “Gloria” sing-a-long, lead by former Shadows of Knight member, Jimy Sohns.
Join us for the Haymakers 2012 Reunion!
Tickets on sale now: $15 advance ($25 with shirt bundle) and $25 at the door.
To purchase tickets, call 847-358-9150 or order online at www.yourticketstand.com
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