Everyone grab your calendars and circle Wednesday, July 8, when you’ll want to be in the best company possible for the seventh annual Concert Under the Stars, A Benefit for The Greenhouse Project, which this year features Pablo Cruise and Ambrosia at Cafe at Adele’s in Carson City.
This event, which started 10 years ago as an expression of Chef Charlie Abowd’s lifelong love of music, has evolved into the primary fund-raising vehicle for The Greenhouse Project, a state-of-the-art growing facility on Carson High School’s campus, which provides a learning facility for area schools, has fostered a thriving FFA and agriculture program at the high school, and also provides fresh vegetables for the underserved in the community.
Concert Under the Stars has grown every year and has sold out the venue in the last two years.
“We started with smaller acts and brought in Booker T. (Jones), the really first big name a few years ago,” said John Procaccini, concert organizer and owner of Chili Bop Entertainment. “The concert last year with Little River Band, I think speaks volumes to what this event has become.”
The demographics of those who attend Concert Under the Stars and who support these kinds of charitable organizations, are those who enjoy adult contemporary pop, Procaccini said.
“These are folks who enjoy recognizable hits from sustainable artists and who are amenable to supporting a good cause.”
Moving to a co-billing featuring individual and combined sets by Ambrosia and Pablo Cruise, ensures continuing sell-out appeal and gives concert goers a double attraction for the same money.
“These guys all know each other, love playing together and are really excited about being here, plus (the acts we’ve brought in are) people I have had relationships with over many years who are willing to drop their fees substantially to come play Carson City on a Wednesday or Thursday, when they’re on the road to another venue,” Procaccini said.
Pablo Cruise performed at Cafe at Adele’s two years ago and Ambrosia has played the area many times, through Sierra Starlight Amphitheater, Upstage Center Theater, and Capital City Music Series, all organized by Procaccini, and have proven to be an area favorite.
“We’ve had some amazing shows through the years and last year, raised $55,000 to continue Greenhouse operations and we’ve done this by bringing in great entertainment and through the generous support of our corporate donors and the outpouring of community support,” said Karen Abowd, president of The Greenhouse Project. “Capital City FFA also has a silent auction each year, and funds from that send our young people to state and national agriculture competitions as we grow the next generation of farmers.”
This year’s silent auction theme is “Yard Art.” There’s also a live auction with trip packages each year. Anyone wanting to donate to the auction, call Karen at 775-232-8626.
“Everyone doing their part is what keeps the work of The Greenhouse moving forward and everyone’s efforts have and continue to be a greatly appreciated blessing,” she said.
Tickets, which cost $65 for Gold Circle; $45 for general and $30 for bleacher seating, are on sale now at carsoncitygreenhouse.org and at Cafe at Adele’s, 1112 N. Carson St., 775-882-3353.