Concerts Bring Enrichment to Everyone
 
Venue
Turners Falls High School Theater, 222 Turnpike Road, Turners Falls, MA 01376

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 "The beauty of the Gala is that it makes a ”full circle’. It begins with a community supporting the efforts of the GMEF with advertising and tier-giving. It continues as the community is ”enriched’ with quality entertainment within our beautiful theater. Finally, it concludes with the awarding of grants for students throughout the district bringing children’s education to life. Students learn more when their basic curriculum is enhanced with technology, science, art, music, and physical education. Enrichment ties education together with our community."  Joyce A. Phillips, Producer/Annual Gala

 

It's Never Easy To Say Goodbye

 This year marked the 20th Anniversary of the GMEF and its rebirth with an Annual Gala -- an event with a variety of performers to span generations to enrich our communities and raise money for Student Enrichment!   For Joyce Phillips, Executive Producer of the Galas and member of the GMEF Board of Directors, this 20 year commitment has been inspiring and rewarding!
 
 It all began on Wednesday, April 14, 2004, with energy, excitement and a new enthusiasm at the Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club, when the Gill-Montague Education Fund  opened its’ kick-off meeting with a welcome from Carol Jacobs, President.  The GMEF, established in 1996, had been somewhat inactive in the past few years.  The non-profit organization was launched for the purpose of supporting excellence and innovation in the GMRSD schools.  The new Board of Directors brainstormed ideas on how to meet both of these GMEF goals.   An Annual Gala was the decision to raise money for Student Enrichment.
 
 On Saturday, April 9, 2005, Carol Jacobs, President of the Gill-Montague Education Fund Board of Directors, welcomed a nearly sold out audience to the Turners Falls High School Theater and the first Gill-Montage Gala with Nick Waynelovich and a family oriented concert.  The Gill-Montague GALA brought something for every generation and every style of music.
 
 From 2006 through 2024, Joyce Phillips served as the Executive Producer and the GMEF hosted quality performances, featuring a variety of entertainers:   Elisabeth vonTrapp, The Mummers, The Edwards Twins and some of the most amazing tribute artists performing:  Roy Orbison, Conway Twitty, Elvis, John Denver, Union Jack, ABBA, the Eagles & Journey, The Piano Men: Double Bill: Elton John & Billy Joel featuring Anton Doran & the Tampa Bay All Stars.
 
 On Saturday, April 27th Joyce told the audience that her inspiration came from having the privilege of meeting and working with some of the most remarkable people in our local communities. “It began with local businesses, organizations, and individuals who were willing to take a chance with the GMEF vision, supported us and fulfilled their commitment to us every year.  It was extraordinary to experience underwriters, corporate sponsors, major advertisers, general advertising, tier-giving, and in-kind contributors continually extending their financial support.”
 
 In addition, Joyce had the pleasure of bringing some of the most amazing performers to the Turners High School Theater. Appearing at their 17 Galas were artists from – Alabama, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Vermont.  Their talent was only exceeded by their generosity (often waiving their transportation and accommodation fees and/or donating a percentage of their souvenir earnings in support of the GMEF), their kindness and collaboration for education.
 
 The rewards were $127,000 in student enrichment grants, the awarding of 35 scholarships and 11 years of roses for the graduating seniors.  In closing Phillips said, “If as an educator, student, parent, grandparent, patron these have made you smile, brought you joy, or left you with a warm memory the GMEF has met its goal.  The grants, scholarships and roses will continue until the GMEF funding is depleted.  As for me, as the Executive Producer of the Annual Gala, it's never easy to say goodbye, however, this is my final gala.   Thank you.”

 2024 Annual Gala

 Saturday, April 27, 2024
7:00 PM
 
 

 “The GMEF is excited to welcome to the TFHS Theater, from the Piano Men--"Billy & Elton: Double Bill!".   Anton Doran and The Tampa Bay All Stars will re-create the music of Billy Joel & Elton John with material from all eras of each artist's career, presenting their biggest hits along with now generations of fan favorites, including: Benny & the Jets, Tiny Dancer, Movin' Out, You May Be Right, I'm Still Standing, Piano Man and many more.

   

 2023 Annual Gala

Saturday, April 29, 2023
7:00 PM

 

Eagles and Journey Tribute Band Together In One Show:  “Faithfully” formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2011 has quickly established themselves as one of the United States' most popular tribute acts, and are garnering international recognition.   "FAITHFULLY" covers The Eagles & Journey’s material from all eras of the band's career, encompassing the band's biggest hits as well as fan favorites.
 
 
2020 - 2022
NO GALAS -- COVID

2019 Annual Gala 
 
 Saturday, April 27, 2019

7:00 PM

 

 

DANCING DREAM: The Tribute to ABBA, the greatest pop supergroup from Sweden, electrifies audiences of all ages with the best hits "Mamma Mia",  "Dancing Queen", "Take a Chance", "Fernando", and many more, transporting nostalgic audiences back to the happy and groovy times of the 70's.  Every show is one to be remembered!  Don't miss your opportunity to see Dancing Dream LIVE and in concert! They will take you on quite the trip down memory lane! The band takes pride in being able to honor the original, fantastic performers of the original ABBA from Sweden!
 

 2018 Our Annual Gala

"A Tribute to the Music of John Denver"
featuring
with Special Guest Chris Nole 
 
Saturday, April 28, 2018
7:00 PM

 

 

Tribute artist Jim Curry, whose voice was heard in the CBS-TV movie Take Me Home: The John Denver Story, will be performing at the Gill-Montague Education Fund 2018 Annual Gala.  Jim’s uncanny ability to mirror John’s voice and clean-cut look takes you back to the time when “Rocky Mountain High” “Sunshine” “Calypso” and “Annie’s Song” topped the charts, and his popular music had the heartfelt message of caring for the earth and caring for each other.
 
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   2017 Our Annual Gala
"More Jukebox Memories"
featuring
(tribute artist of Elvis Presley)
Saturday, April 29, 2017
7:30 PM
 
 
 
2017 will mark the 40th Anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. In tribute to his music and his legacy, the GMEF proudly presents "More Jukebox Memories" featuring David Lee, tribute artist of Elvis Presley. His show is one of the most authentic, most professional shows around.
 
"Singing and working with Elvis was one of the most exciting times of my life. Singing and working with David Lee is the closest I'll ever get to getting to living it all over again. David Lee is a great performer." - - - Sherrill Shaun Nielsen, Elvis' Tenor Singer

 Also, returning by popular demand, The American Longboards.

 

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12th Annual Gala
"Jukebox Memories"
featuring
 (as Roy Orbison & Conway Twitty)
 Saturday, April 30, 2016
7:30 PM

 

 

“Jukebox Memories” features Brian McCullough, an American tribute artist performing in character as the legendary Roy Orbison and Conway Twitty.  Also performing is The American Longboards, one of the nations leading rock and roll bands, with a high-energy tribute to American rock ‘n roll. It features music of the 50′s, 60′s, and 70′s.  Artists like Peggy Lee, Nancy Sinatra, Eddie Cochran, along with an unbelievable drum driven era featuring; The Ventures, The Safaris, Dick Dale, The Beach boys, and many, many more.
 

 

11th Annual Gala

Don Campbell Band Presents
An Evening of Dan Fogelberg Music
 Saturday, April 25, 2015
7:30 PM
 
 
 
Maine singer-songwriter Don Campbell will honor his musical hero with "An Evening of Dan Fogelberg".  The multi-platinum selling artist, with hits such as "Leader of the Band", "Longer", "Run for the Roses", "Same Old Lang Syne" passed away in 2007 after a three year battle with prostate cancer.  Dan remains a huge influence and musical hero of Don's. On November 13, 2012, Don released a double CD, Kites To Fly: Celebrating the Music of Dan Fogelberg with selections from a large and diverse catalog of over 20 albums.  In January, 2013 Don began presenting live performances of this music around his own busy schedule of Don Campbell Music shows.
 

Accompanying Campbell at the show will be his bandmates and special guest, Tom Dyhrberg who will perform a mini set of Gordon Lightfoot favorites. 

 
 

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10th Annual Gala
The Philadelphiia Mummers
"Aqua String Band"
Sunday, April 27, 2014
2:30 PM
 
 
 
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, The Aqua Band will bring "a taste of Philadelphia" and the music of the famous Mummers Parade to the Turners Falls High School Theater.
 
For over 90 years, The Aqua String Band has entertained countless people and has shared its unique Mummers tradition and sound across the globe.  They travel extensively throughout the country entertaining millions of viewers, parade goers, and concert attendees.  In addition to Philadelphia area parades, private events and concerts, other notable performances include participating in the second largest St Patrick's Day Parade in the country in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, the Baltimore's Mayor's Christmas Parade, and both Pittsburgh's and East Longmeadow, Massachusetts’ 4th of July Parades. The Band has even traveled to Germany and appeared in numerous Fasching (Carnival) parades and celebrations throughout the country.
 
 
 
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9th Annual Gala
‘The Union Jack Band’
Saturday, April 27, 2013
7:30PM
 
 
 
 
Featuring the look and sounds of the 1960’s British Invasion era, UnionJack follows the history from the early days of “Beatlemania” through the end of the decade with music from The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks, Hollies, Searchers and the others.  In addition Union Jack perform tunes by the Yardbirds, Badfinger, Dave Clark 5, as well as an “American Graffiti” set, featuring music from “American Artists” popular during the same period - the Monkees, Credence Clearwater Revival, Grass Roots, Rascals, Neil Diamond, and many others. 

  

8th Annual Gala 
"The Edwards Twins"
April 29, 2012
2:30 pm
twins 

 The Brothers That Look And Sound Like The Stars -- The Edwards Twins, direct from Las Vegas, have been voted as the #1 impersonation show in the country by many newspapers, TV shows, and magazines! Identical twins Anthony and Eddie look and sound like many superstars. You will see and hear them perform Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Bette Midler, Billy Joel,  Cher, Andrea Bocelli and many, many more, all in one show. This will be one of the most extraordinary shows you will ever see. They are so amazing that the NBC Today Show did a feature story on them to rave reviews!

 

  

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logo7th Annual Gala
"The Golden Era of Rock 'n' Roll"
featuring 'The Memories' 
April 30, 2011 
7:30 pm
 
Celebrating 25 years of performing the music of the 1950's and 60's for people of all ages, The Memories are under the direction, retired Holyoke police officer, Joe Canata. You will enjoy the feel-good innocence reflected in the music of the fifties and sixties and re-discovered that vitality of Rock and Roll.  Some of us will remember while others discover through the music a time in our history that was filled with energy, optimism and the ‘memories’ we hold dear today. 
 
 
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6th Annual Gala 
The Philadelphia Mummers 
'Aqua String Band' 
April 25, 2010 
2:30 pm
 
 
 fishThe Aqua String Band was founded with the intent of participating in the annual Philadelphia Mummers' New Year's Parade. The Band was organized on April 2, 1920 by Elmer W. Leyrer and Fred J. Kesel, Sr. and incorporated into the String Band Association in 1945. It was Mr. Kesel who first introduced the glockenspiel (bells) into the Mummers' Parade where they have remained a constant fixture ever since.
The name “Aqua” is a reflection on the life and times of the United States during the Band’s birth. Latin for the word water, "Aqua" was chosen as an ironic reference to the then raging controversy over Prohibition – “aqua” being the only legal drink at the time.The Band has never missed a New Year's Day Parade since the time they first stepped onto “The Street” (as Broad Street is familiarly known among those in the tradition); this makes Aqua not only one of the oldest, but also one of the most consistent bands in the Parade. Known for presenting original and creative themes, Aqua holds the record for the highest points ever scored in the New Year's Day Parade with a 99.9 from their First Place finish in 1960.

 

 
5th Annual Gala
“Harmony Sounds"
The Zumbyes & Heart of the Valley Chorus
April 25, 2009
 
 
 
Zumbyes
 
 
The Zumbyes (pronounced zoom buys), Amherst College ’s oldest continuous a cappella group, was formed fifty-six years ago. From the outset, the Zumbyes have adhered to the theory that blend is the single most important element of small group singing. Today, the Zumbyes continue to arrange songs with energy, complexity, and significant jazz influence. Every performance i s an opportunity to devise new ways to entertain; the shows are famous for their skits, comedy, and audio-visual spectacles. 
 
 
 

 
HOV
 
The Heart of the Valley Chorus is a local chapter of Sweet Adelines International. Established twenty five years ago, the Heart of the Valley Chorus varies in age from 23 to 75 performing a variety of music: Jazz, Broadway, Vaudeville and Contemporary. The performers are cooks, bankers, teachers, hairdressers, retirees, homemakers, real estate managers, bus drivers, administrative assistants, business owners, and more. Each member brings a unique voice and personality to this warm and friendly group of eclectic women.
 
 
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 4th Annual Gala
"The Essence of Country"
Don Campbell and the Don Campbell Band
April 26, 2008
Don
 
 
Imagine a top-notch singer and songwriter with a vocal style that will remind you of Vince Gill; matched with the instrumental ability of Ricky Skaggs. This will give you an idea of the talent of Maine native, Don Campbell, songwriter, performer, producer, and music businessperson. Don and his bandmates have opened for the following: Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Charlie Daniels American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith. Keith Urban, Ricky Skaggs, Gretchen Wilson, Big & Rich, JoDee Messina, Travis Tritt, and many others.

 

 

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Gregory

3rd Annual Gala 
"Velocity"
The Gregory Caputo BIg Band 
April 28, 2007
 
The GMEF, in partnership with Phil D. and WIZZ - 1520 AM, was a salute to the big band era featuring Gregory Caputo and his 17pc Big Band in “Velocity”. His professional credits include drumming for the Count Basie and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras, the Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa and Harry James Big Bands. The concert raised over $21,000.
 
 
 
 
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Elisabeth von Trapp
 
2nd Annual Gala, 
“A Concert with Elisabeth von Trapp” 
April 29, 2006
 
Elisabeth von Trapp,granddaughter of the musical matriarch, Maria von Trapp, performed with cellist Erich Kory. An audience of all ages was drawn by the promise of her famous name, awed by the haunting beauty of her voice and their hearts were touched forever by the astonishing sound of her unique new music. The second Gala raised over $17,000.
 
 
 
music lineNick Waynelovich
 
 1st Annual Gala 
“A Magical, Musical Variety Show” 
April 9, 2005

The first Gala was the result of collaboration with Nick Waynelovich, of Ja'Duke Productions. He was a member of the GMEF Board of Directors. Brainstorming projects for fundraising, the idea of an annual Gala emerged. Nick brought his fantastic band and performers for a “Magical, Musical Variety Show”. The first Gala raised more than $14, 500.  

 

 

 
 

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