'Tunes for Tarra Marathon'

May 21 benefit to help Branchville woman needing a kidney transplant Branchville — R.E.N.O. and Big Boss Sausage, two local bands known for their charitable endeavors, have combined efforts to bring to Branchville an array of musicians to raise money for Tarra Wagner, whose battle with diabetes puts her in need of a kidney transplant. The “Tunes for Tarra Marathon” will take place Saturday, May 21 at the Branchville American Legion Post 157 from noon until 11 p.m. There will be a buffet and tricky tray drawing at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. Organizers said the initial transplant will be in excess of $200,000, with $3,000 monthly for medications from that point on. Tommy Gomez of R.E.N.O. said the goal of R.E.N.O. is to: “Play music, have fun, and help others.” Gomez added: “Providing the entertainment for Tarra’s fundraiser will be solo artist Timmy Blohm whose finger-picking style is famous in the area. Pete Lister, a Blues aficionado, will hopefully do some Grateful Dead covers in his performance. Witty Jack Tannehill, a long time favorite singer/songwriter on the local music scene will perform with his own special way of creating opportunities for audience participation. The Fantasia Project, a father/son duo, will wow the crowd with guitar magic.” Mingo Lodge of Big Boss Sausage, whose band recently opened for Dan Bern at SALT Gastro Pub in Byram, was amazed at the outpouring of community spirit displayed by the musicians asked to perform. Mingo’s band, Big Boss Sausage has shared the stage with Arlo Guthrie, Mountain, Soul Asylum and others nationwide. They are known for thought provoking tunes and unintentional mega-poly rhythms. To round off the evening, the Camouflage Band, which is the house band for the American Legion, will play rock and country favorites that organizers said always appeal to the crowd. The guest master of ceremonies for the evening is Comedian Melissa Doran. She has performed at Caroline’s and Stand Up in New York among other clubs. For further information or to find out how to help, call Carol Ann Skelenger at 973-250-3101 or e-mail to: ShiningStrongForTarra@yahoo.com. Monetary donations can be made to: “Shining Strong for Tarra,” P.O. Box 2869 Branchville, NJ 07826