Andrew O’Grady and the team at Mental Health America of Dutchess County put together one terrific evening at the Bardavon on Tuesday. Bringing this collection of artists to Poughkeepsie was a major accomplishment for an organization already doing essential work throughout the community. MHA deserves tremendous credit for the show and continued support for the work that brought everyone together.
Supporting Mental Health Services Across Dutchess County
Mental Health America of Dutchess County has served the community since 1955, helping individuals, families and veterans get the support they need. Its work includes mental health and addiction services, peer support, housing assistance and crisis response. Tuesday’s benefit supported the expansion of services, prevention, education and advocacy. O’Grady and his staff take on difficult, necessary work every day, and the concert brought deserved attention to those efforts.
A Special Hudson Valley Radio Broadcast from the Bardavon
This special event was carried live on three stations—#981KZE, SignalRiot.fm and WDLC Country—with the KZE Kamper onsite broadcasting the show. The broadcast marked a special partnership between Neversink Media Group’s WDLC and AK22 Media’s WKZE, with the two local stations sharing resources to bring the performances and MHA’s message to a wider audience.
Maggie Rose, Ian Flanigan, Jake Banfield and Craig Morgan Deliver Memorable Performances
Maggie Rose was spectacular. Her voice has power, soul and a depth that made her set a standout. There was a lot of talent on that stage Tuesday, and Rose’s performance alone would have been worth the trip to the Bardavon.
Hometown hero Ian Flanigan delivered a heartfelt set, and his involvement began well before he stepped onstage. Earlier that day, Flanigan visited Bolger House, where he spent time sharing stories with people benefiting from MHA’s services. Taking the time to sit down with the people the benefit supported deserves recognition of its own. His unmistakable voice was a welcome sound on a local stage, particularly for an evening dedicated to helping people here in the Hudson Valley.
Jake Banfield’s singalong to Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” was one of the night’s coolest moments. The song has become a country staple, and hearing the Bardavon audience join in made it a memorable part of the show.
Craig Morgan brought a rowdy, patriotic set with plenty of country attitude. His performance gave the evening a welcome kick, delivered with the confidence of someone who knows how to entertain a room. Morgan brought energy and swagger to a lineup with plenty of musical range.
Andrew O’Grady and David Ross Bring a Remarkable Benefit Concert Together
Reviver Entertainment Group’s David Ross deserves considerable credit for his spectacular work on the event. Bringing these artists together for MHA took relationships, coordination and a serious commitment to making the show happen. Ross and O’Grady gave the Hudson Valley a night to remember.
Hudson Valley Radio Stations Come Together for a Great Cause
Hudson Valley radio stations worked together to get the word out. #981KZE, WDLC Country, WDST, 97.7 The Wolf and others promoted the benefit, using their airtime to support MHA and encourage listeners to come out for the show. This is where local radio excels: knowing the people, supporting the organizations and serving the communities that make the Hudson Valley such a great place to live.
WDLC’s Uncle Mike was there, along with AK22 Media / WKZE sales manager Tari Bohnert. Bohnert’s long relationship with MHA made the evening especially meaningful, continuing years of involvement with the organization.
The KZE Kamper broadcast extended the show beyond the Bardavon, giving listeners across the region an opportunity to hear the performances. Inside the theater, the artists delivered an outstanding evening for a cause deserving of that attention. O’Grady, Ross and the Mental Health America of Dutchess County team put together a benefit they can be proud of, with local music fans and broadcasters showing up to support work that continues all year.
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