The Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA) thanks all those who made its second annual musical fundraiser held at the Soper-Reese Community Theatre such a wonderful and successful event.

Those attending were treated to the delightful experience of seeing and hearing the connections that exists within musical families.

Grandparents performed with their grandkids (Johnsen Family Band), parents performed with their children (Anderson Family Bluegrass Band), brother performed with brother (Contreras brothers) – the family connections were wonderful.

Pat Ickes also shared stories of growing up in his own musical family, and spoke for everyone there when he commented, “This better than TV, huh?”

Thanks to the staff and volunteers of the Soper-Reese Community Theatre, including Wally Fuller and Mike Adams, who made everything easy.

The event couldn’t have happened without our wonderful AMIA Volunteers: Mike Bielenberg, Vivian and Tom McFarling, Dwain Goforth, Suzy Rudofker, Myra Sherman and Sheila O’Hara. John Thorn from Thorn Hill Vineyards was there pouring his fine wines. Thanks to John and thanks to Thorn Hill Vineyards for sharing the proceeds from the sale of wine with AMIA. Thanks also to local community radio station KPFZ for helping get out the word about the event.

Thanks to Andi Skelton for her donated work on the posters and program, and for her work helping some of the young performers prepare for the show.

Our fabulous master of ceremonies, Bill Fredriksson, kept the show moving along. His humor and enthusiasm shone brightly each time he took the microphone.

Special thanks to Don Coffin for all his work organizing the event and in backing up the talented Contreras brothers.

And of course, many thanks to all of the musicians who generously agreed to perform.

“AMIA is in the middle of its fundraising drive to raise the money necessary to meet its obligation under the partnership agreement that AMIA recently signed with the state to keep the Park open and accessible to the public for the next three years,” said Henry Bornstein, AMIA treasurer. “The financial boost from the Soper Reese event is much appreciated.”

Thanks again to all.

Roberta Lyons is president of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association, based in Lower Lake, Calif.