Rhapsody Players to serenade for Saint Pat’s

For the Ridge’s own Rhapsody Players, giving back is in their blood.
The performance group – made up of seven local artists – got together in 2006 and according to band-member John Heffernan, has been rocking for a good cause ever since.

On Saturday, October 18, the members – three of whom are Saint Patrick’s Catholic Academy alumni themselves – will dish out some of music’s greatest hits for their alma mater’s second annual fundraiser.

“This is just what we do,” said Heffernan, a founding member of the group as well as treasurer of the Saint Patrick Catholic Academy’s board of directors. “We only play fundraisers and this one in particular is near and dear to all of our hearts. We love Saint Pat’s.”

Last year, he said, the Rhapsody Players were able to round up enough funds for the school, located at Fourth Avenue and 97th Street, to purchase new computers for each and every classroom.

“This year we’ll choose another tangible cause,” he said, stressing that event-goers can rest assured that “every nickel goes towards the school.”

“This is our favorite venue,” Heffernan said of the performance which will take place in St. Patrick’s auditorium, “so it’s really a labor of love.”

“The audience can expect the hits of the ‘60s, ‘70s and early ‘80s,” said Heffernan, who began singing at the age of 11. “We mix it up and we do it all with a full six-piece band and seven singers.”

With seven years of fundraisers under their musically trained belts, the Players have performed in the name of Our Lady of Grace, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Saint John’s and even local organizations like Frankie’s Mission.

Most recently, on Saturday, October 4, the group gave back to one of the borough’s pre-eminent green spaces with a benefit concert to fund the Prospect Park Alliance in its ongoing care of Brooklyn’s own Prospect Park.

The Rhapsody Players are a not for profit 501c group made up of Heffernan, Donna Heffernan, Eileen Monahan, Colleen Martin-O’Donnell, Anthony Marino, Kevin Sweeney and Kiernan Hamilton – seven sensational vocalists.

According to Heffernan, the event’s $25 admission includes the Players’ full set, pizza and dessert from Bay Ridge’s own Leske’s Bakery. Additionally, wine, beer and raffle tickets will be sold for a small price.

“We are professionals by day and we play for our souls at night,” said the soul-singer. “It’s just a nice night out for everyone involved.”

For more information or to make a required reservation, e-mail Heffernan at broadwayjack@earthlink.net or visit www. rhapsodyplayers.org.

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