Blues for the Cause

Although Manhattan escaped most of the wrath of Hurricane Irene, the damage and death tolls up and down the East Coast were enough make New Yorkers stand up and...sing?

In August 2011 Hurricane Irene hit the East Coast hard. Damage estimates range from $7 to $13 billion according to several experts and the most recent death toll reported that 45 people were lost to the storm. In an effort to aid in the healing process City Winery has teamed up with The Healing Time Foundation, an organization that aims to assist American cities that have been damaged by natural disaster through art and music. "Music has always had tremendous power to heal people. We all need healing time," says Josh Charles, Artistic Director of The Healing Time Foundation.

On Tuesday, November 15 City Winery will play host to a benefit concert and auction to raise money to help those affected by Irene. Headlining the event is blues singer Gina Sicilia. Sicilia was awarded "Best New Artist Debut" at the Blues Music Awards for her first album that was released in 2007. "Sicilia delivers a vocal and lyrical performance that rates alongside the titans of early-1960s soul," said one review on About.com. Other performing artists include Sinem Saniye, Clarence Bucaro, and Josh Charles.

The event will also include a silent auction featuring autographed items from the NY Giants, The New York Mets, Gibson Guitars, Casio Priva Keyboards and Maggie Norris Couture. The City Winery is located at 155 Varick St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the benefit begins at 8 p.m.