Accompanist to Join Middle PAC Fundraiser

COURT HOUSE – A bandleader who accompanied movie superstars of the past has agreed to join New York singer Ron Gartner in a fundraising show on Tuesday night, Dec. 11, at the Performing Arts Center of Middle Township for the benefit of Cape May County’s victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Pianist Bill Gulino, who also is a singer, published author and all around entertainer, has accompanied such big screen names as Bing Crosby, Doris Day, Donald O’Connor and Sammy Davis Jr. He also is a member of New York City’s prestigious Friars Club.
Gartrner said he had planned to present the all volunteer show with recorded background music for his otherwise live act, but when Gulino and other musicians decided to donate their services and travel to Cape May County from New York City for the performance he quickly accepted their generous offers. Gulino was born in the Passaic County town of Hawthorne which was badly affected by the hurricane.
Admission to the 7:30 p.m. concert is $10 in the form of a donation with all proceeds turned over to the Cape May County chapter of the American Red Cross. Tickets may be reserved by calling 609-463-1924.
Kay Aspell, managing director of The PAC, said the concert is “a wonderful way for people to show their Christmas spirit by making a modest donation to those in need.” She pointed out that while some parts of Cape May County escaped the wrath of Hurricane Sandy, there are some regions where some people are still hurting.” While she hopes for a large turnout for the performance, she welcomes contributions from people who cannot attend.
Gartner, who has been called “Mr. Excitement” and has performed at casinos and major conventions throughout the nation, will bring his “Scotch, Soul and Rock n’ Roll” swinging music act to the PAC. It salutes all the great music fenres from Big Band to American Bandstand, which got its early start in the Wildwoods, the Rat Pack, Bobby Darin, Motown and the Jersey Boys, some of whom performed at The PAC early this season.