CHARLOTTE AMALIE — We From Upstreet, Inc. presents a benefit concert for “our brother, friend and fellow musician” Clifton “Cliff” Finch.
It’s called: “Music for the Heart,” and is scheduled for August 11 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Emancipation Garden.
Performances include Louis Taylor & Friends, Tommy Pilgrim, Ras Abijah, Jeannette Rhymer, Full Circle Band, Inity Reggae Xplosion, Danny Silber’s Pipe Dream Band, Saxophonist Sherwin Williams, several of your favorite reggae and R&B bands, vocalists, including Shakima Jones-Sprauve, Reunited: Desiree, Gwen and Yvette, Sidney Bell, Randolph Raymo, Bassist Donald Birmingham and his awesome son, vocalist Donald Jr.
These are just a few of the many talented musicians and lifelong friends, who are coming to show their support for Cliff and this cause.
Admission is free, with food and drinks on sale. Donations go towards Cliff’s medical expenses.
Mark your calendar and bring your folding chair Sunday, August 11, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Emancipation Garden on St. Thomas. Sponsors include by Westline Production, the Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation (DSPR), and Conch Shell Media.
Clifton “Cliff” Finch, is one of the Virgin Islands most talented Bassist, playing throughout the territory, Caribbean and national level for over 50 years. He continues to play alongside most of the Virgin Islands renowned musicians of diverse genres, with great emphasis on jazz.
In July, Cliff, began experiencing severe chest pains. After a series of tests, it was diagnosed that he suffered a heart attack. He has already been back and forth to Puerto Rico for assessments, in preparation for double bypass surgery. His stay in Puerto Rico after the major surgery will be approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Housing accommodation, transportation, meals, medication, etc. are things that he will have to pay for out of pocket.
The V.I. music industry has been extremely challenging for quite a few years, particularly after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Musicians are struggling to find venues to make money, with the closing of all our major hotels, clubs and restaurants. Those particularly of the jazz genre have been forced to play most times, for little or no money. This, coupled with Cliff’s inability to play for the past month, since his heart attack, has created an even greater financial hardship.
A GoFundMe page exists to help Cliff with expenses incurred before, during and after his surgery. Leading towards the benefit concert, the related Facebook event shares updates with followers.