By Ethan Forman
Some band parents are using their musical talents to help propel the Danvers High Falcon Marching Band to its third trip to the Rose Parade in Pasadena in January.
While students and parents raise money to pay for their trips, the band must raise tens of thousands of dollars more to cover costs associated with shipping instruments, uniforms and luggage to California.
"It's tough to get the whole band and everything across the country," said Cheryl Demirdogen, who is the co-chairwoman of one of the last fundraisers before the band's trip: a social gathering featuring the band Jazzport at the Polish Club on Cheever Street in Danversport.
The fundraiser involves band parents Maureen Benson, the lead vocalist for Jazzport, and Ed Jordan, a percussionist with the five-piece group, and the group's other members donating their time to play tomorrow from 7 to 11 p.m.
Tickets are $20, and the event is open to the public, with proceeds helping the Falcon Marching Band wing its way out west.
Jazzport played at the band's auction fundraiser in the spring and also offered itself as an auction item. But Demirdogen said the marching band has never had a performance-related fundraiser before.
"It's just a social with the Jazzport band playing," said Demirdogen, who has two children in the band, Christopher and Hannah. Her son Darren went to Pasadena in 2006, she said.
Benson and Jordan both have eighth-graders — Daniel Benson and Tim Jordan — who are playing in the Falcon band, Demirdogen said.
Staff writer Ethan Forman can be reached at 978-338-2673 or by e-mail at eforman@salemnews.com.
If you go
What: Falcon Marching Band parents and members of Jazzport play the Polish Club.
Why: Danvers Falcon Marching Band must raise money for its trip in its third appearance in the Rose Parade in Pasadena in 2010.
When: Tomorrow, 7 to 11 p.m.
Tickets: $20
For more information: Call Ginni Wallace at 978-758-1258.
