the Newton Food Pantry and U2 (You, too?)

Two local institutions are working together to bring music — and food — to Newton residents.

On Sunday May 6, at Pine Manor College, the Newton Family Singers (NFS), a local chorus of 75 singers from kindergarten to retirement age will be performing In the Name of Love, a concert of music by the Irish rock band U2.

“Bono has one of the most distinctive voices in pop music, and our musical director Chris Eastburn has done a wonderful job arranging the songs in four part [vocal] harmony,” said Stephanie Cogen, co-founder of the group. “And of course we always encourage our audience to sing along with us.” A four piece rock band will accompany the singers.

In the spirit of U2, Newton Family Singers is supporting a local charity, the Newton Food Pantry. “We’re asking our audience members to bring non-perishable food items and other household goods to the concert,” says Emily Prenner, of NFS. Donated items can be exchanged for raffle tickets, and all the donations and any cash proceeds from the raffle will be given to the food pantry.

Newton Food Pantry Vice President Regina Wu said, “The Newton Food Pantry is grateful for the support, and for the opportunity to increase awareness in our neighborhood about food insecurity.” Residents who need food assistance, as well as donors and volunteers, can find more information on the Newton Food Pantry website, newtonfoodpantry.org.

This is not the first fundraiser Newton Family Singers has held. In 2017 they raised over $9,000 for Best Buddies. In 2014 they raised over $10,000 for two local organizations that support individuals with autism and their families.
​
More information and tickets can be found at newtonfamilysingers.org/events