Bread & Roses Presents was the fortunate recipient of proceeds from a private fundraising event sponsored by the Bank of Marin at HopMonk Novato on Thursday Jan. 31. Long-time supporter Kris Kristofferson and his band The Strangers generously contributed a benefit concert as part of a national tour. Kris was joined by Scott Joss on vocals, guitar and violin; Doug Colosio on keys and Jeff Ingram on drums – all part of Merle Haggard’s renowned touring band.
Legendary songwriter Kris Kristofferson performed two crowd-pleasing sets of many of his familiar hits including Help Me Make It Through the Night and Me and Bobby McGee. His last song Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends had a poignant feel as he thanked the audience for their support for Bread & Roses.
Special guests Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers along with his daughter, Los Angeles-based vocalist Lara Johnston, joined the band for a few songs in the second set providing an exhilarating experience for the audience by playing the Doobies’ hit song Listen to the Music. Another long-time supporter, Tom noted he had been playing benefit concerts for Bread & Roses for twenty years and how it was an honor for him to play with Kris.
Kris Kristofferson has been a staunch advocate for our organization since 1979 when he played the Bread & Roses Festival of Music at the Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley. A friend of our founder, the late Mimi Fariña, he performed benefit concerts for Bread & Roses including Alcatraz Island in the 90s and at the Opera House in San Francisco for our 25th Anniversary in 2000.
Bank of Marin headed by Russ Colombo, has been a leading corporate sponsor of Bread & Roses since 2006. His wife, Lynn Colombo is a long-time volunteer host for our organization.
Thanks to Dean Biersch for his generous contribution of the stylish Session Room at HopMonk and to Bay Area producer and promoter KC Turner Presents for helping to facilitate the concert. Executive Director Dave Perron kicked off the evening by introducing KC as our emcee and the “next Bill Graham.” A regular contributor to our organization, KC is also a singer-songwriter/guitarist who performs institutional concerts for Bread & Roses and is on our Circle of Advisors.
Thanks to the staff at the Bank of Marin and HopMonk Novato for supporting such a special event. All proceeds help to sustain our ongoing program of over 600 annual concerts for isolated audiences in institutional settings around the Bay Area.
Photos by James Cacciatore
Photo Credits:
1) Kris Kristofferson with Scott Joss on violin.
2) Kris Kristofferson shows his appreciation.
3) Tom and Lara Johnston open the second set.
4) Kris Kristofferson plays the harmonica.
5) (l-r) ED Dave Peron with Russ Colombo, Kris Kristofferson, and Lynn Colombo.
6) KC Turner emcees the event.
7) KC Turner before the event at HopMonk Tavern.