von Trapp Children Benefit Concert

The von Trapp Children will perform a benefit concert at the Belleville Congregational Church, 300 High Street, Sunday, October 23 at 4 p.m. as part of the Belleville Roots Music Concert Series as a benefit for the Belleville historic buildings. The von Trapps will perform a cappella in the historic Meeting House followed by an informal question and answer session. The lead sponsor is the Institution for Savings.

Sofia, Melanie, Amanda and Justin von Trapp, the great grandchildren of Captain von Trapp, continue the tradition of the family’s exceptional musical gift and love of singing, sharing songs and heart-warming family stories of life before and after coming to America. The Sound of Music captured the hearts of millions when the film debuted in 1965. The von Trapps perform a variety of folk and classical songs from various European and American traditions as well as timeless pieces from the Sound of Music. Musicians and audiences from around the world recognize the family’s beautiful harmonic blend and pristine tone. They have performed with the Boston Pops, Atlanta and Toronto orchestras as well as at the Sydney Opera House. They have performed in Europe, Canada, Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Korea and the Philippines. Five years ago, the von Trapp Children performed in Newburyport at the Firehouse in a sold out show.

“We are very excited to be back in Newburyport to perform. We love the community here and we are happy we can help with this benefit for the historic Belleville Meeting house,” said Sofia Von Trapp. “It is a beautiful space and we hope many people will come out to support this cause and hear our music.”

Country Rain, a traditional bluegrass trio, will open the show. Country Rain is Emma Adams on fiddle, Marshall Wilborn on bass, and Tom Adams on guitar. Rooted in traditional bluegrass and country music, the trio puts a new spin on popular standards as well as featuring original songs and tunes. Their three-part harmony and engaging stage presence makes for a memorable experience.

Belleville Congregational Church has longstanding roots in the Newburyport community as a gathering place and supporter of local service organizations. The Belleville Roots Music Series, founded in December of 2010, has two important missions: First, the series brings a variety of high quality Roots Music concerts to the Newburyport area for all to enjoy. The series celebrates music ranging from a cappella to zydeco and includes a diverse range of blues, bluegrass, Cajun, Celtic, country, folk, gospel, Irish, jazz and world music. The second mission of the Roots Music Series is to raise funds to restore and maintain the historic 1867 Belleville Meeting House and adjacent Fiske Chapel complex at 300 High Street in Newburyport. The objective is that the Meeting House and adjacent complex will continue to serve as a gathering place for many generations to come.

Last year, Belleville Roots hosted three very successful performances which brought quality music and hundreds of guests. This year’s season will kick off with the von Trapp concert. Five additional concerts are planned for the upcoming year including a bluegrass concert, a holiday concert, a Mardi Gras Event, and more. All proceeds benefit the Belleville Historic Building Fund.

Tickets for the von Trapp Benefit concert are $20 for adults ($25 day of show) and $10 for children 12 and under. Advance tickets are available at: Belleville Congregational Church, 300 High Street, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Dyno Records, 1 Middle Street, Newburyport; and online at www.bellevillechurch.org/concerts or www.mktix.com/bc. If available, tickets will be sold at the door the day of the event. For more information about the von Trapp Children, visit www.vontrappchildren.com/

For more information, visit www.bellevillechurch.org/concerts. Join the Belleville Roots mailing list and stay informed about upcoming concerts by sending an email to bellevilleconcerts@gmail.com.