Mark Caulkins and The Providers at Helen Hayes Hospital |
The Providers & the
Helen Hayes Performing Arts Series
Saturday, April 12th, 2003
Story by Kevin Robinson
Photos by Carol Bliefernich
On
Saturday afternoon, April the 12th, a long weekend seemed a little shorter
and a lot more fun for the folks recovering and rehabilitating at Helen
Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, NY. Bert Rappaport is the hospital's
Director of Recreational Therapy, and he oversees the
Helen Hayes Hospital Performing
Arts Series.
These weekend performances are open to the public, and
followed by free refreshments. "Patients really enjoy the break," Rappaport
told me as The Providers set up for their first appearance.
Mark Caulkins |
As a quadriplegic, I understand, first hand, that traumatic injury
dramatically changes people's lives. They must work hard to get a handle on
the new rules they must live by, and the weeks or months they spend in a
rehab hospital can be overwhelming for both patients and their families.
Recreation Therapy is all about teaching patients how to get back to the
things they enjoy doing, and by bringing in quality entertainment, Rappaport
demonstrates first hand to patients that they can still enjoy many of life's
pleasures that might otherwise seem far removed in the pain and frustration
of a hospital stay. Sponsored, in part, by the Helen Hayes Hospital
Foundation, the Performing Art Series is a program that really makes a
difference...and you can see it on almost every face in the place.
Vinny Arminino |
The Providers played many popular cover tunes, as well as a number of Mark
Calkin's originals, and the audience was very appreciative. "These guys are
great!" Rappaport said of The Providers' performance. "One of the best
bands we've ever had in here...and the most dynamically appropriate!" The
Helen Hayes Hospital Performing Arts Series uses the hospital's beautiful two story
lobby atrium as it's stage, and the acoustics are exceptional. "The sound
here is super," said Providers guitarist, Vinnie Arminino. "The room does
most of the work!"
Bob Couse |
The Providers began many years ago in NYC. Frontman, Mark Calkins and his
long time friend, Vinnie played all the famous clubs, did all the showcases,
and were even courted by the recording industry on more than one occasion,
but when the rubber met the road, they chose family factors over music
business factors and moved to the country. With the addition of Bob Couse
on bass and Gregg Busch on drums, The Soul Providers grew out of that
relocation. They changed their name to The Providers, and they are now
staples on New York State's "north country" music scene, where they
regularly pack the house at the historic St. Charles Hotel and are
perennial favorites at the Clermont Music Festival. Virginia Guarino of the
Hudson River Sampler called The Providers "A seasoned band and a class act
with the ability to blend instruments, personalities, and voices, generating
a mix of music guaranteed to move both body and soul."
Gregg Busch |
Together, the band built Pine Knoll Studio in Pine Plains, NY, primarily as
a personal rehearsal/recording studio, but word got out and many great
artists have recorded tracks there, including Bar Scott, Rhett Tyler, Bob
Malone, Alan Semenovich, Steve Stiert, Todd Giudice and Charlie Lang. Check
out The Providers and their self-titled debut at
www.theprovidersonline.com
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Kevin Robinson
is a freelance writer/photographer, and
the author of three "Stick Foster" hardback mystery novels.
A former syndicated columnist for
the Detroit Free Press, his byline has appeared over 100 times in
national and regional periodicals. Kevin is a partner at
No Bull Productions,
and his PR credits include promotion and
booking work for several of Kansas City's top blues bands. Kevin can
be reached at nobull@NoBullProductions.com.
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Posted on May 3, 2003
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