In Photos: Final summer concert in Fairfield serves as fundraiser for rare disease
Grandmother Mary Ann Hau, left, Bill and Emily Hau, and Bizzy, 10 months, all of Fairfield, enjoy the show at the KJD fundraiser concert on Sherman Green on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
For 12 years now the Fairfield County-based group has done a benefit concert for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) at the Fairfield Theater Company in honor of lead singer Mike Vitanza’s late brother, Robert, who died from the illness.
“It was a struggle this year with finding a venue and really making it work,” explained Adam Kane of Fairfield, a volunteer supporter of the effort. “So far there are a good amount of people here, so I’m glad that they could do it.”
Joe and Bev Valiante of Westport watch the musicians at the KJD fundraiser concert on Sherman Green on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
“We’ve already had so much support,” said Paul Sirbono of Fairfield, a volunteer who oversees the merchandise table each year.
He said the Sherman Green location also brought the chance for walk-ins too, as well as annual regular supporters.
“I think it affords us and the town an opportunity to kind of come together,” Sirbono said.
Band mates Nick Giaquinto, left, and Jack Good of Simple Jim share a jam at the KJD fundraiser concert on Sherman Green on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Simple Jim performed a selection of hard-hitting rock songs, which reverberated across downtown and had the crowd smiling.
“We just wanted to keep it safe with being outdoors,” said Chris Coppola, drummer for the group.
A supporter waits for the show to start at the KJD fundraiser concert on Sherman Green on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Alyssa Moriarty of Fairfield and her daughter Mila, 19 months, share refreshments at the KJD fundraiser concert on Sherman Green on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.