Concert to Raise Money for La Paloma Wildly Applauded
By DONNA BALANCIA
ENCINITAS, Calif. – Musicians Jack Tempchin, Cindy Lee Berryhill, Keith Harkin and Darius Degher electrified at Love The Dove, a benefit concert for La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas Saturday night.
Tempchin, the renowned songwriter who crafted tunes for the Eagles and others, headlined a night that mixed legacy with compelling new performances.
He introduced Keith Harkin, an outstanding Irish performer whose agressive guitar playing is unlike anything we’ve heard. He plucks the strings so hard they break — often he says — and from his work he elicits a great deal of emotion. Harkin is a true music star and was an unexpected surprise in a night of beautiful work.
Strong Collaboration: Tempchin and Harkin
Tempchin on harmonica and Harkin on guitar performed songs they wrote together including the upbeat “Ring Tail Rat.”
Berryhill, the tall singer-songwriter veteran performed the Beatles cover, “Revolution,” which got rousing applause from the audience, which was comprised mainly of Encinitas locals who packed the room.
Berryhill has a new album coming out in March and her new songs including “Somebody’s Angel,” sent chills through the crowded room.
Love The Dove
La Paloma Theatre is a staple of San Diego County culture. It has been around since the early 1900s and was a stop on the train by movie stars, celebs of the day, musicians and other notables.
Locals remember the days it had “couches” and was the gathering place for North County music lovers.
Emcee Danny Salzhandle recalled the theatre has hosted the best in the arts over the years. La Paloma is in need of repair and the tireless Alan Largent and his crew are thinking outside the box to get the funding to restore the jewel in the rough to its former grandeur.
The group is planning to have a fundraiser concert every quarter “or every three months,” if possible.
Musicians Giving Back to La Paloma Theatre
Degher led the night off with his folksy tunes that had people smiling and tapping right along. He was a gracious leadoff artist joined by Micheal Packard and Ellen Maisen. His debut poetry collection was published in 2014; he has released five CDs and played on many stages.
Degher, Harkin and Berryhill joined Tempchin for a heartfelt finale that included “Already Gone,” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling.”
In a world of free downloads and where there’s an overabundance of worship of all things new, the historic La Paloma took the spotlight, hosting this unique night of touching performances.
The musicians reached receptive audience members who gladly paid $20 a head to enjoy rare performances.
Being able to repay La Paloma for all the joy she has brought Southern California was an honor for both performers and attendees. The La Paloma which has stood so proudly for almost a century, will graciously continue on, through the generosity of the musicians and art lovers. A night like this is what it’s all about.
“PEACEFUL EASY FEELING” VIDEO:
