HYANNIS – Legendary rock artists and musicians from across the country gathered at the Melody Tent in Hyannis on Wednesday night for the inaugural Hope Music Festival.
All proceeds from the event were donated to Cape Cod Healthcare for substance abuse prevention and treatment efforts on Cape Cod.
The entertainment included artists who have played for such groups as Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, Boston, The Cars, The Outlaws, B52s, the J. Geils Band and the Wilson Pickett Band.
Guitarist Barry Goudreau, formerly of the band Boston, introduced his new collaboration, “Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room” at the event.
He said he was honored to participate in the festival.
“To be able to come out and do something like this, have fun with your friends, make music and try to make a difference, you can’t beat that,” said Goudreau.
Comedian and actor Steve Sweeney, who is currently filming “Sweeney Killing Sweeney”, attended the festival to show his support for Cape Cod Healthcare and the work they’re doing for substance abuse prevention and treatment.
“It brings out the best in people, it brings out the fact that people care, people are more well-informed, people want to do something, they’re not sure what to do,” said Sweeney.
Singer Ayla Brown from American Idol was thrilled to be asked to perform at the festival.
She said that a music festival fundraiser is a great opportunity to help local agencies fighting substance abuse.
“When we all come together, good things can happen and so I hope that tonight is just the beginning and the start of something that can make a difference honestly,” said Brown.
Cape Cod Healthcare Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Communications Patrick Kane said they are humbled by the outpouring of support and the organization of the fundraiser.
“It just signifies how much people want to address this issue, and how they want to understand it and how they want to help those who are afflicted,” said Kane.
The festival was organized by Brian Serpone Productions.
By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter
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