An internationally known stride pianist is coming to Moorestown, all in the name of a good cause.
World famous pianist Jeff Barnhart will liven up the Moorestown Community House ballroom on April 14 at a benefit concert, raising money for the MCH Restoration Fund. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and feature Barnhart’s “Stride Forward,” treating those who attend to boogie-woogie, stride, swing and “all that jazz.”
“I think (people) should come out to support the MCH … It is my idea that something like (this benefit concert) will help spread the word,” said Dewitt Peterson, organizer and co-sponsor for the benefit concert.
Peterson wanted to help the MCH’s Restoration Campaign, and Barnhart needed to play somewhere in the Tri-State area, so the concert was created.
Peterson had attended a meeting at the MCH to learn more about its Restoration Campaign. The MCH is asking individuals, clubs and businesses to help keep the Community House as a nonprofit community center for generations to come. To do this, the campaign is asking for $2 million for restorations. So far it has raised $940,000.
“I think the MCH does a tremendous service not only to the town, but to the county … it serves over 70 organizations. I think, unfortunately, with the name of the MCH, you’d think the town owns it, runs it and is supported by taxes, but it isn’t,” Peterson said.
When Peterson learned his friend Barnhart needed another venue to play in the Tri-State area to make his trip worthwhile, Peterson came up with an idea that would benefit both his friend and his community.
“He needed to get three or four dates to make his trip worthwhile, so I had gone to the MCH (Restoration Campaign) presentation and thought, maybe we could do something with that. So I asked Brad and he said that date was open … It was agreed I and the MCH would sponsor it,” Peterson said.
Barnhart was named the premier stride pianist in the U.S. by SiriusXM Radio, and is known as one of the top stride pianists in the world, according to Peterson.
“I don’t know if people will come because they are a fan of Barnhart, but maybe if (they aren’t) and they do come and listen, they might become a fan,” Peterson said.
The concert will feature a mix of boogie-woogie, stride, ballads, great American songbook, swing and jazz. Barnhart will be playing the piano as well as singing.
“Most of what he plays is very joyful. You feel greatly entertained even when he’s playing blues. He’s personable and really captures the crowd. He’s just a lot of fun,” Peterson said.
Complimentary drinks and snacks will be provided for the evening.
A minimum donation of $10 is asked for at the door, and larger donations will be appreciated. Those interested in coming are able to attend day of, but are asked to RSVP by reaching out to Peterson at dpeterson53@comcast.net or by calling (856) 234–5147.
The Moorestown Community House is located at 19 W. Main St. To learn more about the MCH and its restoration campaign, visit thecommunityhouse.com or ourcommunityhouse.com.
To learn more about Barnhart, visit his website at www.jeffbarnhart.com.
