Concert benefits Soft Foot Alliance

Animals in Zimbabwe in need of protection

CENTERBROOK » Ivoryton Playhouse favorite Michael McDermott and his talented group of musicians will present a free concert on Sunday, Aug. 20, to raise awareness and funds for The Soft Foot Alliance.

The evening will be filled with songs of hope and promise — from “Fields of Gold” to “Here Comes the Sun” from Celtic culture and heritage through American folk traditions to new works.

McDermott will be joined by Kathleen Mulready, another Ivoryton Playhouse alum who starred in “Finian’s Rainbow” and shared the stage with Michael in “The Irish … and How They Got That Way;” also Nancy Herzig on flute, David Jarkey on piano, Susan Mazer on guitar, Celeste Cumming on cello and the wonderful Lorelei Chang will dance.

McDermott has been seen many times at the Playhouse – most recently in “The Bells of Dublin: The Carol of the Bells.” He was moved by the story of Cecil the Lion, and began a correspondence with Brent Stapelkamp, who lives and works with the animals and people in and around Hwange National Park.

Stapelkamp formed The Soft Foot Alliance — a new group dedicated to improving the lives and landscapes of people living on the boundary of Hwange national park and is working to achieve a sustainable co-existence with wildlife. Lion, hyena, elephant, baboon and honey badger are the

main focal species as they impact people’s livelihoods on the park’s boundaries.

“By designing actions that firstly improve the lives and the livelihoods of the people living with these animals and, secondly promote the conservation of the animal, we hope to achieve co-existence between the two,” said Stapelkamp.

The concert will take place at Centerbrook Meeting House, 51 Main St, Centerbrook, Sunday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.

A silent auction, including a portrait of Cecil painted by artist David Roelofs, will also be provided. The concert is free but seating is limited.

Call 860-707-0732 to reserve tickets today. Learn more about The Soft Foot Alliance at www.softfootalliance.com

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Guests who attend the Aug. 20 concert will have the opportunity to bid on a painting of Cecil the Lion by David Roelofs.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Ivoryton Playhouse actor Michael McDermott.