Shamrockin' at the Vail-Leavitt March 7, 2009

An array of upbeat Celtic sounds and the music of platinum Irish rock stars, U2, will echo off the walls of the National Historic Landmark Vail-Leavitt Music Hall on Saturday March 7th, 2009 at 7:30 pm.


One Night Only!


Modeled after the Ford Theatre in Washington D.C., Riverhead's opera house built in 1881, once hosted Will Rogers and the talking movie experiments of Thomas Edison. The Vail-Leavitt will now provide the stage for the tri-state area's amazing U2 tribute band, U2 Nation, for the "Shamrockin' at the Vail-Leavitt" benefit concert for Maureen's Haven Homeless Outreach.

Vail-Leavitt's 128 year-old stage and intimate setting will be gently warmed up with appearances by Peconic Warpipes member bagpiper Tim Kelly, the highly acclaimed, award winning Mulvihill-Lynch Irish Dancers, and an acoustic set by Long Island's hottest new young Irish rockers, 26 + 6.

U2Nation consists of Albert Saadi (vocals), Vince DeMasi (guitar/keyboard), Jeff Pizzi (drums), and Brad Grauer (bass). The band was formed in February 2003 and since then U2Nation has created a buzz performing in NJ, NYC, CT and PA. What makes U2Nation such a great U2 tribute band is the passion all four members have for U2 music and how they demonstrate that same passion on stage. Not only do they look, move, and sound like U2 but they have such energy that at all of their shows the audience becomes part of the show. Whether it's singing along with Saadi who plays the part of Bono, dancing up on stage with the band, or just getting the whole place rocking, the band becomes one with the audience.

The crowds that come out to a U2Nation show are usually hardcore U2 fans. These fans expect the whole U2 experience to be precise and that's exactly what they get with U2Nation. From the first strum of the guitar in songs like "Where the Streets Have No Name" to the last chorus chants in songs like "40" and "Pride", U2Nation will have you believing you're really at a U2 show.

"With only 250 tickets being sold, it will most likely sell out early, according to producer Tom Gahan, it's a great show at a very reasonable price during the St. Paddy's Day season for a worthy cause; helping the poorest of the poor on the East End."


"Bono and U2 have always been an icon for humanitarian causes, we are honored to take part in this event to raise money for Maureen's Haven", said Riverhead resident, Vince DeMassi of U2Nation.


Doors open at 7 pm, the curtain rises at 7:30 pm. For advance tickets the public should call 631-369-0063 or 631-298-4145, or e-mail ticket requests to tgahan@optonline.net.

About the Mulvihill-Lynch Dancers


Formed in 1996, the Mulvihill-Lynch School of Irish Dance, under the direction of Debbie Lynch-Webber and Jerry Mulvihill, became one of the most competitive dance schools within the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. The school currently boasts approximately 200 students in three locations. Mulvihill-Lynch dancers are regionally, nationally and internationally known champions on the competitive circuit. Students have won solo medals at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships, the North American Irish Dance Championships, the All-Scotland Championships, the Great Britain Championships, the British National Championships, the All-Ireland and World Irish Dance Championships. Mulvihill-Lynch dancers have also won numerous regional and national gold, silver and bronze medals in ceili and figure dancing.


The Mulvihill-Lynch School Irish Dancers perform year round at a variety of functions throughout Long Island, as well as various venues in New York City including numerous appearances on Fox Channel 5's Good Day New York morning show. The dancers also take pride in donating their talents and volunteering their time to the people of local communities, performing at churches, senior citizen communities, nursing homes, hospitals, children's camps and organizations and parades.


About Maureen's Haven

The goal of Maureen's Haven is to provide safe, temporary housing to the homeless during the cold winter months. The program operates from November 1 through April 1 and transportation to and from the many Houses of Worship that provide the meals and shelter is included in the services. Dinner, breakfast, and bag lunch plus encouraging support is given by our volunteer staff. Multi-service referrals to community agencies are provided by PHI (Peconic Housing Initiative) staff to empower the guests of Maureen's Haven and the use of PHI's case-management services is encouraged.

Donations, in-kind services, and the growing number of community volunteers and Houses of Worship members have made this program a tremendous success. Without their help, Maureen's Haven would not be possible. Because of the quality of the program and the increased loss of affordable rental housing in our area, on any given night there could be 50 or more guests. It is estimated that there are approximately 500 homeless people every night on the East End.

Factoids:


Maureen's Haven 2007-08 Facts:
153 Nights Hosted
118 Individuals Served
12 Host Churches
3631 Beds Made
Over 1200 Volunteers
77% Men / 23% Women
10% Veterans
20% Working Homeless
It is estimated that Maureen's Haven saves Suffolk County tax-payers over $330,000 per year in Social Services costs.
The record for the most guests sheltered on one night was 62 set on Thursday January 22, 2009.
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