Saturday, May 21, 2011

Rockin' In The Tropics draws big crowd to South Seas

Club Trini and the Danny Morgan Band captivated an audience of more than 250 people during Rockin' In The Tropics, an outdoor concert that took place at Captiva’s South Seas Island Resort.

“It was a big deal,” said Danny Morgan about having Club Trini on stage.

Club Trini is a side project by Michael Utley and Robert Greenidge, the keyboardist and steel drummer, respectively, with Jimmy Buffet’s Coral Reefer Band. The pair is currently on tour with Jimmy Buffet, but made the trip to Captiva during their 10-day break. It was their first time on the island and came at the suggestion of their old friend, Danny Morgan.

The concert, which showcased a number of talents like Derek Trenholm and the Darrell Nutt Duo and J. Robert from Marco Island, benefited the Fort Myers-based HOPE Clubhouse. As a non-profit organization started in 2007, HOPE Clubhouse is dedicated to helping people with mental illness lead lives of dignity, respect and acceptance.

It gives residents of Southwest Florida dealing with a mental illness the opportunity to find meaningful work, education, friendships and offers access to housing in supportive environments.

Last year, the organization received its first grant to help purchase computers and other necessary equipment; hired executive director Debra Webb; had a total of 13 active participants; and partnered with the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Although this was the first Rockin' In The Tropics outdoor concert, Morgan said he hopes there will be more annually.

“It’s tremendous that it happened,” Morgan added.

South Seas Island Resort, Captiva resident Harry Silverglide as well as John and Mary Jo Boler of Sanibel sponsored the inaugural event.  SHANNEN HAYES
 

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