Seemiller Pays Homage to Folk Hero Chapin

Hunger Relief Benefit at The Studios of Key West

Keynoter Newspaper, 13 November 2009

As local food banks close in on some of their busiest weeks of the year, guitarist Zack Seemiller and The Studios of Key West have paired up to offer a grassroots-level benefit for hunger relief in the Florida Keys.

During the one-night only event on Nov. 20 at 8 pm. in Key West's Historic Armory on White Street, Seemiller will recreate the last recorded concert folk music legend Harry Chapin performed, on Aug. 9, 1980, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, before his death in an automobile accident on the Long Island Expressway in 1981.

Seemiller will be joined onstage by his brother David, as well as local musicians Cindy Jefferson and Gregg Shanle. Together they'll conjure up classics from Chapin's repertoire like "Story of a Life," "Taxi," "WOLD," "Better Place to Be" and "Cat's in the Cradle."

"I think Zack is inspired as much by Chapin's legacy of activism and philanthropy as he is by Chapin's incredible stories and music," says Eric Holowacz, executive director of The Studios of Key Wes. "This event, a tribute to one of his musical heroes, has been in development for nearly a decade."

Chapin served on numerous boards during his lifetime, and was dedicated to promoting the arts in his adopted home of Long Island. He also was fervent in working to eliminate hunger.

So proceeds from the evening will be donated to Loaves and Fishes, a project of the Key West-based Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for the homeless. Organizers ask that those attending bring canned goods, nonperishable items or a donation to the performance.

"Many of Harry Chapin's concerts were benefits," says Seemiller, "and though it's always a good time to give, the need gets even greater with the approach of the holiday season."

"Harry Chapin's Last Concert," the latest in The Studios of Key West's Old Town New Folk live music series, is supported by the Key West Garden & Guitar Club. Tickets are $15 and available at www.keystix.com or by calling 295-7676.