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A common cause
Concert fights to end hunger, bring unity
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009
 Click here to enlarge this photo Staff photos by DARWIN WEIGEL
From left, Merry Ellen Fallica, Helen Seawell, Curtis Mauney and Debbie Weber of Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry sort food collected Saturday at the second annual End Hunger in Calvert County benefit concert at the Calvert County Fairgrounds in Barstow.
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It appeared that all the details were well thought out and the hours of preparation were evident as the second annual End Hunger in Calvert County concert drew in a crowd that donated canned goods and enjoyed the music of the family-oriented evening Saturday at the Calvert County Fairgrounds in Barstow.
Volunteers assisted with parking, taking tickets and food donations, giving people folding chairs, emptying trash receptacles scattered around the fairgrounds and simply offering friendly "hellos" prior to and during the concert.
The Rev. Robert Hahn of Chesapeake Church in Huntingtown initiated the first concert to end hunger last year and said this year they also united pastors of various denominations to promote racial unity.
"It'll be the first time that it's ever happened," he said of the gathering of clergy to fight hunger and promote racial unity.
The Rev. Vic Simpson of Emmanuel Church in Huntingtown, who was one of 24 clergy at the concert, said Hahn put this together because the county is so affluent, yet there are people who "go under the radar" who need assistance, and the churches can unite to help.
"Even though we have different churches, we all have the same home office … and work for God," Simpson said.
Hunger Awareness Month is only one month, October, Simpson said, but "It raises the awareness the whole year."
Calvert's own Liz Chambers, who sings at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Lusby, opened the concert with an original song of hers and then Chesapeake Church worship team's band, Scattered Leaves, brought a more edgy rock sound to the stage still with religious lyrics and spiritual overtones.
Former Maryland delegate and secretary of veterans affairs George Owings, who was attending the concert, said that at no other time in Calvert County's history have all denominations come together. He said was glad to see that the Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry overcame some struggles with county commissioners and the churches have united to end hunger. When asked at the concert if he was going to announce his rumored run for Maryland governor, Owings answered, "Not yet."
Lawn chairs and folding chairs were scattered for more than 30 rows back as children played with soccer balls and footballs on the side and in the far rear of the stage. It was not just a concert, but the grounds looked like a massive family reunion as people roamed the crowds greeting and hugging each other while the music played and the aromas of food vendors filled the air.
"This is a great thing," Pam Wilkerson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maryland, said enthusiastically as she made her way to her seat.
"I really wanted to see [headlining performer] Isaiah Thomas," said volunteer Michelle Brooks who held a backstage pass. A 2006 Calvert High School graduate and in her last year at Bowie State University, Brooks said she e-mailed Hahn saying she would like to help out for the concert. Her sister, Jessica Brooks, a Calvert High School and Morgan State University graduate, said, "This atmosphere is nice, it's really laid back."
With a voice resembling singer Jewel, Christian recording artist Stephanie Cuomo sang original songs from her albums and told the audience personal stories of creating her lyrics.
Between performances, a jumbotron reminded people why they were there, as a video played segments of one woman's story of needing food assistance after moving to Calvert County with four children. The woman, Elena, puts a face on hunger, Hahn said. The "48 Hours"-like video displayed statistics such as, "5,000 Calvert County residents live in poverty" and the county is the sixth wealthiest county in the nation with a $95,000 median income.
When all the clergy present took the stage by request, the crowd stood up, giving them a standing ovation and Hahn introduced them as "the clergy to end hunger." Hahn told the crowd, "It doesn't matter what church we're from … We know that Christ died to unite us." No matter what race, gender or the little differences in faith, everyone is united to end hunger in Calvert County, he said and introduced the Rev. Yolanda Powell, senior pastor of Dominion International Ministries.
"The Lord is smiling and winking at his children," Powell said and then she urged the crowd several times to respond, saying, "Everybody say ‘mix it up, God.'" Some yelled back, "mix it up."
"There is a distinction, but there is no division," Powell said.
Powell continued on with her speech on unity, saying it's not just about ending hunger, it's about breaking barriers.
The concert continued afterwards, but due to being behind schedule, 10-year-old Andre Jones, who attends Barstow Elementary School, only sang one song, "What a Wonderful World." He sang the song in a soft, clear tone, unlike the deep, raspy voice of Louis Armstrong who made a hit with the song. But Jones' version was a hit as well as many in the audience gave him a standing ovation afterward.
Finally, the headlining act, Isaiah Thomas, took to the stage singing his Gospel songs that earned him the Stellar Award, a gospel music honor, in 2008. Despite the increasingly chilling night air, the audience, some wrapped in blankets, stayed to listen to his soulful performance of original and familiar gospel tunes.
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