Songs of Deep Emotion and Bright Light at City Winery NYC

Jorma Kaukonen of Hot Tuna, John Sebastian of the Lovin' Spoonful, Jennie Muldaur, Martha Redbone, Jimmy Vivino, Willie Nile, Kate Pierson of the B-52's, Joseph Arthur, Todd Almond, Betty, Scott Sharrard, Ricky Byrd of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Steve Conte and other musicians rallied when drummer Rich Pagano assembled the roster for the second annual benefit concert for the Nic Pagano LGBTQIA+ Scholarship Fund at City Winery NYC on January 25. Pagano on drums led the Deep Emotion and Bright Light Band, consisting of guitarists Steve Conte and Jack Petruzzelli, organist Scott Healy, keyboardist Aaron Whitby, bassist John Conte, percussionist Eddie Torres and vocalists Elaine Caswell, Neal Coomer and Nicki Richards. Ken Dashow, a radio host on Q104.5 FM, served as host.

The fundraiser also featured an auction segment where attendees bid for music-related photographs and artist-autographed guitars donated by noted patrons. Proceeds from the show will help members of the LGBTQIA community in financial need to access treatment for substance use disorder.

Rich Pagano, most visible for his role as drummer in the Fab Faux and the Early Elton Trio, has a 25-year history of working in the recording studio or on stage with Patti Smith, Rosanne Cash, Robbie Robertson, Ray Davies, Willie Nile, Marshall Crenshaw, Joan Osborne, Levon Helm, Roger Waters, Ian Hunter, Mott the Hoople and others. He also serves as drummer and music director for the annual benefit concert named after his late son.

Nic Pagano died in July 2021 from a fentanyl overdose. Shortly beforehand, while spending time in a residential treatment center, he told his parents that he wanted to become a voice for the fairness and rights of the transgender community and pursue a career in therapeutic healing by becoming a social worker for LGBTQ+ community. The annual concert in his name helps that vision live on through the nonprofit Release Recovery Foundation.

Since its inception in 2021, the Nic Pagano LGBTQIA+ Scholarship Fund has raised over $200,000 and provided over 20 scholarships to individuals and families in need. The treatment program is based at Caron Treatment Center in Wernersville, Pennsylvania. To donate, visit https://www.releaserecoveryfoundation.org/lgbtqia/.

Rich Pagano

Ricky Byrd

Jorma Kaukonen with Elaine Caswell

John Sebastian (right) with Jimmy Vivino

Betty

Joseph Arthur with Steve Conte

Alberto Diaz & Luis Batista

Scott Sharrard (center) with Alberto Diaz and Luis Batista

Willie Nile

Martha Redbone

Todd Almond

Jimmy Vivino (right) with John Sebastian

Jenni Muldaur with Jimmy Vivino

Jorma Kaukonen (center) with John Sebastian and Jimmy Vivino

Kate Pierson

***

The Manhattan Beat reports on New York City's live music circuit. All articles are written by Everynight Charley Crespo. All photographs are taken by Everynight Charley Crespo, except when noted otherwise.

For a list of Manhattan venues that are presenting live music regularly, swing the desktop cursor to the right of the The Manhattan Beat home page and click on the pop-up tab "Where to Find Live Music."

For a more complete listing of upcoming performances in the New York City area, visit The Manhattan Beat's January and February calendars.