Joe Hughes and His Band Goldenseal Help Raise Money for Local Causes
Joe Hughes and his band Goldenseal are musicians on a mission, assisting area charities and worthwhile causes by using their musical talents. One of the band’s upcoming performances will be as the headliner, with special guest bassist Danny Rongo, and guitarist Art Hoffer and the Goldenhorns, at the Thursdays by the Sea concert series, Pier Village, Long Branch, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Their performance benefits the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation (JSJBF), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) based in Red Bank. One of their charitable objectives provides scholarships to young, talented musicians who are continuing their music education in college. Hughes said the foundation will have a 50-50 raffle at the Thursday night concert series to help support the Long Branch Festival, which is coproduced by the JSJBF and the City of Long Branch.
“It’s great to be able to use music to help charitable organizations in the area,” said Joseph G. Hughes, a West Long Branch resident and a partner in the Red Bank law firm Zager Fuchs P.C., who formed the band in 1999. “Many of my clients have become fans of my band. Many of my fans have also become clients. Law and music intertwine nicely,” said Hughes.
His law firm is one of the sponsors of the scholarship program run by JSJBF called “Reckless, Steamy Nights,” held once a month at the Red Bank Women’s Club. The funds raised by these concerts go directly toward scholarships for young musicians. The JSJBF also mentors young musicians and gives them the opportunity to play at big festivals, such as the Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival.
Goldenseal plays about 70 shows a year, and Hughes has released three original records. The band is named after an herbal supplement called goldenseal, which is believed to boost a person’s immunity to sickness. Hughes said he thought the name was appropriate because he wanted to perform music that is uplifting and leaves the listener with positive feelings.
Goldenseal band members who will be performing at the August 20th Thursdays by the Sea concert series include Art Hoffer, guitar; Pat Martucci, drums; Carole Gileski and Cyndi White, backup singers; Peter Schwartz, keyboard; Lee Sanderson, saxophone; and Dennis Eschbach, trombone, affectionately known as the “Goldenhorns.” Danny Rongo will be playing bass at several of the upcoming events besides the show on August 20.
Other upcoming Goldenseal charitable performances include providing music at a fundraising Wine Tasting and Reception at Four JG’s Vineyards, Colts Neck, on Friday, September 25, 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. to benefit the Legal Aid Society of Monmouth County. Hughes and his guitar player John Bongiovanni will be performing acoustic music throughout the evening.
“It is an event for a worthwhile cause. It’s not just for lawyers; it’s open to friends, colleagues and business associates,” Hughes said his law partner Lynn Staufenberg is president of the Legal Aid Society, which provides free legal assistance help to low income clients. “On occasion, Lynn also sings with Goldenseal. She also works very hard in trying to keep the Legal Aid Society funded so that it can continue to ensure attorneys for those who can’t afford representation.”
On Thursday, October 30, 2015, at 8:00 p.m., Goldenseal will perform at the Zager Fuchs Night fundraiser, with a suggested donation of $10 for the event, held at the Women’s Club of Red Bank, 164 Broad Street, Red Bank. The proceeds will benefit the JSJBF scholarship program.
For Goldenseal’s schedule, which includes shows in Colts Neck, Brielle, and Cranford, visit http://www.goldensealtheband.com/SchedulePage/Schedule.htm