Eastern, David Foster Presenting 'Take Me to the River All-Stars Live'

WILLIMANTIC, CT — Eastern Connecticut State University will be hosting host "Take Me to the River All-Stars Live" on Jan. 10 for a special evening of funk, soul, and rhythm celebrating the vibrant musical traditions of New Orleans.

The concert will bring an all-star lineup of musicians to benefit two local anti-hunger organizations: Willimantic's Covenant Soup Kitchen and Eastern's Shawn's Cupboard food pantry.

Showtime on Jan. 10 is slated for 7 p.m. at Eastern's Fine Arts Instructional Center Concert Hall.

The concert is bringing together legendary artists Cyril Neville, Omari Neville, Ian Neville, Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr., Jelly Joseph, Robert Mercurio, Joe Ashlar, Brian Richburg Jr. and filmmaker Martin Shore.

Local music legend David "Lefty" Foster, the concert's executive producer, noted the caliber of musicians on the ticket, led by three members of the R&B/soul legends The Neville Brothers.

"Every member on stage is a first-rate, top-of-the-heap musician," Foster said. "It's a real feather in the cap for Eastern and the entire community to have them here. They're going to create an upbeat, Mardi Gras-style jazz festival atmosphere, and every penny raised will go toward addressing food challenges in the area."

He added, "It's going to be a fabulous evening in Eastern's Concert Hall. Acoustically and visually, there isn't a bad seat in the house. If you want to see a world-class show in a world-class auditorium, put Jan. 10 on your calendar."

The concert is executive produced by Foster with support from Shaboo Productions and the Lester E. Foster & Phyllis M. Foster Foundation.

Eastern President Karim Ismaili said, "We are thrilled to partner with David and Marilyn Foster and Shaboo Productions to bring this exciting concert to Eastern and the Windham community. ... That it also serves as a benefit concert to address food insecurity makes it especially meaningful during this season of giving."

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased via www.easternct.edu/concert.

Proceeds benefit the Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic and Shawn's Cupboard, Eastern's on-campus pantry for food-insecure students.