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Jim Gavenus is giving you a good reason to go out on Sunday.
A year ago, the local photographer decided to lend a hand to a friend. The first place he sought ideas, talent and assistance was his pals, a network of artists and musicians. The result: The Bell Tower Jam at Arts YOUniverse in Wilkes-Barre. The concert, which will feature local and national acts, is a benefit for Holly Petro, a 24-year-old from Hunlock Creek who was paralyzed from the chest down after a car accident last October.
“I’ve been friends with Holly and her family for a number of years, and after this happened I called the family and said, ‘Can we do this?’ and they said yes,” said Gavenus, of Kingston. (Gavenus is a Weekender freelance photographer).
Gavenus said a few people told him he was “nuts” when he said he was planning the concert, but most of his friends were eager to help, volunteering their time. Even with help, Gavenus said he met with a few bumps in the road that are to be expected when putting on a first-time event. One aspect that was easy: the selection of the bands.
“A lot of the people playing are friends of mine and very talented, so it was easy to select,” he said. “And I knew they all had good hearts so they’d help me out.”
Taking the stage will be Cabinet, George Wesley, Plus 3, the acoustic duo Fired from Rifles — former Mighty Fine Wine members John “Fud” Zavacki and Jason Noble — and solo artist Ronnie Williams.
The Bell Tower Jam is scheduled to begin at noon, with headliner Joseph Arthur performing at 7 p.m. Following Arthur’s performance, the musicians from Cabinet, George Wesley, Plus 3 and Fired from Rifles will have a jam session.
Gavenus joked that he’s going to be doing a lot of photography work during the next year to pay back his friends for their generosity. But the groups were more than happy to lend a hand.
“He told me a couple of months ago that he was going to be putting on this concert and who it was for,” said Cabinet’s Mickey Coviello. “He asked us if we wanted to do it, and I said sure. I think it’s going to be a good time.”
“Joseph Arthur is doing me a huge favor. I met him a few years ago … and we built a friendship,” said Gavenus. “He called me a few weeks ago and said, ‘What can I do (to help)?’”
The concert is just one part of this weekend dedicated to raising funds for Petro. On the evening of Friday Sept. 18, Gavenus will host an art exhibit, “The Balcony Gallery Auction,” at Arts YOUniverse. The exhibit will be a part of Wilkes-Barre’s Third Friday Art Walk and will feature artwork from national and international artists, including Keri Pickett, Joe McNally and others, that will be available for auction and sale.
A number of items in a related auction are available for bid at www.thehollypetrofund.com, such as autographed items from musicians, artists, entertainers and sports figures. Bidding is ongoing and items will be on hand at The Bell Tower Jam. The auction will close at midnight on Sunday, Sept. 20.
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