Thursday August 2, 2012

BRATTLEBORO -- Keeping a promise never sounded so good.

Moses and the Brother Shout Band will perform a benefit concert for the Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Brattleboro Common.

Featuring three veteran rockers and one rising star, the band will brings its mix of uplifting danceable gospel, R&B, soul, blues and funk to the Common to help a good cause -- and to keep a promise band founder Bobby Moses made.

A year ago, Moses was planning to bring a band to do a benefit concert to thank the Drop-in Center and its executive director, the late Melinda Bussino, for all they’ve done. "They help the under-privileged. They’ve helped me out," said Moses, a veteran of the music scene who toured with some of the great names in the music over the last 30 years -- and also battled substance abuse and homelessness before settling in Brattleboro a couple of years ago, determined to rebuild his life. "We believe we’re part of a group of people that are trying to get the poverty out of people’s thinking and lift people up."

They were going to do it last year, but Moses’ band fell apart. But this new band came together about five months ago, and he could keep his promise. "I felt like I had a responsibility to Melinda to pull this off," Moses said.

For the concert, guitarist/vocalist Moses will joined by bandmates Doug Mortin on bass and vocals ("he can really play with

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soul," Moses said), Lou Trombley on drums and vocals and Moses’ daughter Rikki Charmane on keyboards and vocals.

The band is working on a CD titled "Royal Christ Freedom Road." The album should be out in September, but the band will play many of the songs, including several originals, on Friday.

Moses urged people to head up the street from Gallery Walk, stop by the Common, have a good time and make a donation in one of the boxes set aside. For more information, call Moses at 802-579-7893.
-- Jon Potter