9/11 Ground Zero Volunteer Playing Haverford First Fest

HAVERFORD, PA — A musician who spent weeks volunteering at ground zero of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City will be performing at the inaugural Haverford First Fest Music Festival.

Kelly Music for Life, which is hosting the festival, announced the first artist scheduled to perform at the event on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Musician Scott McClatchy will play the festival honoring emergency, medical, police, fire, and military front line workers.

"Scott McClatchy reached out to us immediately," Kelly Music For Life Director Tom Kelly. "Scott lived in New York on that day 20 years ago and his experience as a volunteer at Ground Zero had profound impact on his life and songwriting."

McClatchy watched the events of September 11th, 2001, unfold from his apartment window. In the weeks that followed, McClatchy states that during his time volunteering at Ground Zero, he saw "some of the greatest acts of both human kindness and human endurance."

Musically, McClatchy tried to express his thoughts through the songs he released, "Take A Walk With Me" ( which was later performed by the cast of the TV show "Rizzoli & Isles"), "Toasting My Friends," and "Redemption" to name just a few.

"Every year, I shut down on September 11th," McClatchy said. "This will be the first time I’ve ever performed on that date, and, honestly, I have absolutely no idea how it will go. But I’m hoping that our music can soothe a few souls, remind folks of just what our heroes sacrificed, and honor the memories of our friends who are no longer with us."

The event will take place on Sept. 11 and the main stage will be outdoors at Eagle Road and E. Hathaway Lane. The second stage will be indoors at the Kelly Center at 4 E. Eagle Road.

Performers and bands who are first responders or who have personal connections to doctors, nurses, firefighters, military, police or EMS to apply.

Performers who are interested in playing the festival should email Paul Kelly at kellyresearch@aol.com or Tom Kelly tkelly1984@comcast.net.