97-Year-Old Musician
and One-Year-Old Toddler
to Attempt World Record
at Cummington Concert
James Kitchen and the Appliances bring music, laughter, and four generations together to raise awareness of food insecurity in Western Massachusetts.
What happens when a 97-year-old musician shares the stage with a one-year-old percussionist? Possibly a world record, certainly a lot of fun, and an opportunity to shine a spotlight on an important cause.
On Friday, October 23, at 7:00 p.m., James Kitchen and the Appliances will perform a free concert at the Friday Nite Café at the Cummington Church, featuring a special musical collaboration spanning an astonishing 96 years.
The evening’s special guests will be Nan Clark, 97, and brothers Oakley and Quinn Mason, ages three and one.
Clark and Oakley previously performed together at the Meekins Library in Williamsburg, with an age difference of approximately 94 years, in what was believed to be a world-record-setting performance.
Now, Oakley’s younger brother Quinn is ready to join the act, extending the age difference to 96 years.
Whether the performance qualifies for an official world record remains to be determined, but the musicians are certain it will be memorable.
Clark is no stranger to the stage. She has performed with Kitchen on numerous occasions, including previous benefits for the local Food Pantry. At one memorable event, she even led the audience in a demonstration of the Chesterfield Crawl, proving that enthusiasm and a sense of humor have no expiration date. She is also an accomplished and exuberant tambourine player.
The evening will feature the musical talents of James Kitchen and the Appliances, including:
- Stephan Katz, cello
- Dave Christopolis, bass
- Josh Wachtel, guitar and vocals
- Rory Mason, vocals
- Mirela Wachtel, vocals
- James Kitchen, vocals and assorted instruments
The musicians bring an eclectic collection of instruments, musical styles, and personalities to the stage, promising an evening filled with great music and good humor.
But behind the laughter is a serious purpose.
The concert will help raise awareness of the continuing problem of food insecurity in Western Massachusetts and the vital role local food pantries play in helping families and neighbors in need.
“Our goal is to have fun and bring attention to a great cause at the same time,” said Kitchen.
“If a 97-year-old and a one-year-old can make music together, perhaps the rest of us can work together to make sure our neighbors have enough to eat.”
The concert is free and open to the public.
Friday Night Cafe receives promotional support from the Cummington Cultural District, and is supported in part by grants from the Ashfield, Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Hinsdale-Peru, Plainfield, Williamsburg, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
