Accordionist Bruce Gassman completed his fourth year as the first and only accordionist to perform with Holiday Express. Now in its 19th season, Holiday Express is a traveling Christmas party; a from-the-heart troupe of musicians and volunteers bringing music, friendship, help and hope to those too often left out in the cold at the most special time of the year.
Playing far from the limelight, in sometimes desperate circumstances, and all for absolutely no pay, more than 80 of the best musicians down the Jersey Shore and throughout the state, play more than 50 shows between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and with several dozen support staff in tow, deliver not only music, but toys, clothing, food and fun to children with cancer, people living with AIDS, the mentally ill, disadvantaged families, the isolated elderly and the desperately homeless.
This year, Bruce performed at the annual benefit concert at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. In addition to the annual golf outing and the annual clambake, the Count Basie Event is a significant source of support for the all-volunteer, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization. And with more than 50 musicians and singers on the stage, playing everything from “White Christmas” to “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch” (with the Grinch himself in attendance) to Chuck Berry’s “Run, Run Rudolph,” this years benefit concert was, as always, a sold-out season tradition in itself.
Founded in 1993 by Tim McLoone, Holiday Express is a grass roots, non-sectarian, registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is comprised of more than 1,300 volunteers – including 80+ professional musicians – Holiday Express delivers music, food, gifts, financial support and friendship to adults and children who are physically and mentally disabled, living with AIDS or homeless, as well as the isolated elderly and others in need.
Bruce traveled throughout the Tri-State area in November and December bringing more than 50 “interactive private parties” to clients who might otherwise be overlooked during the holiday season. The events included a rock ‘n’ roll band, costumed characters, choreographed parodies, crafts, games, food, good cheer, gifts and lots of hugs!
Among the many places that Bruce entertained were: Mt. Carmel Guild, St. Joseph’s School for the Blind, Catholic Charities-Partners in Recovery, Woodbine Developmental Center, Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, Red Bank Town Lighting, Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy High School, Trinity Soup Kitchen, and many more. There was also an additional public performance at the magnificent NJ Performing Arts Center in Newark.
Bruce Gassman has traveled all over the USA, presenting workshops, performing and conducting at accordion concerts and festivals. In 2011, his events included the National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention in Dallas; MAMTG/AAMS in North Jersey; the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) in Orlando; the Historic Wallace, Idaho Accordion Festival and the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention.
Bruce has a busy accordion year ahead in 2012. He will be part of the “Accordion Heroes” Event, focusing on Accordion Legends and young accordionists, the legends of the future. The event will be held in Fredericksburg, Virginia June 20-23, 2012. Bruce will also be the first accordionist to perform at the “Light Of Day Foundation” Event being held this January in Asbury Park, at legendary venues; the Stone Pony, the Wonderbar and the Paramount Theatre in Convention Hall. In its 11th year, the 23 Light of Day Foundation shows, which are held in 13 countries in Europe, Canada & the United States, raises money for funding research into possible cures and improved treatments and support for patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease and related illnesses. And of course, Bruce is already counting the days till next November and his 5th season with Holiday Express.
Thank you and congratulations to Bruce Gassman who has shared his unique accordion skills with so many less fortunate people this holiday season. He surely brought them moments of happiness, peace and joy. Let’s all try to do this in the coming year. No matter what your level of playing is, it will be appreciated.
For further info: info@accordion2bruce.com
