Home - National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Skip to navigation Skip to content

Bridgeport Bands To Rock The Night And All For A Worthy Cause

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. Janelle Falcone, 31, has always loved music all genres of music. In fact, she began singing at 3 years old and never stopped. It isn’t so surprising that today Falcone manages a funky little nightclub in Bridgeport known as Acoustic Café. The artsy alcove, reminiscent of New York City’s Greenwich Village nightclubs, features everything from bluegrass to hip hop to alternative. Fairfield County Weekly’s reader poll recently named Acoustic Café “Best Place to hear Local Music,” “Best Open Mic” and “Best Place to Hear Alternative Music.”

Acoustic Café is now signing on with 10 local bands to host the first Music for MS Saturday, Sept. 6., from 3 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Proceeds from the nightlong gig, featuring live performers from every type of music genre, will benefit the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter and the more than 6,000 Connecticut residents battling the baffling and potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis.

“My mom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 10 years ago,” says Falcone, who is coordinating the fundraiser. “My mother inspires me every day. Despite her illness, she has worked for the Fairfield Board of Education for more than 30 years. However, over the years I’ve witnessed the effects of MS on my mother’s life and I’ve seen it rob her of mobility and to some degree, independence. I want to do what I can to move research forward to help find a cure for her and others living with MS.”

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Falcone’s mother, battle the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Currently, there is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness and tingling in the extremities, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more severe cases, complete paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. Funds through events, such as Music for MS, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure. These funds also provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis.

Performances began at 3 p.m. and are open to all ages until 8 p.m. After 8 p.m., the café will kick things up at which time guests must be at least 21 years of age. Featured bands include Vegas Moon and Cosmic Jibaros. The event also includes free munchies and drink specials. Tickets are $15 per person and available at the door. Acoustic Café is located at 2926 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, Conn.

For more information about Music for MS or about Acoustic Café, please visit http://www.acousticafe.com/ or call 203-335-3655. For more information about multiple sclerosis and the many ways you can join the movement to help find a cure, please visit http://www.ctfightsms.org/.

8/29/08

NOTE TO MEDIA
For More Information
Contact Karen Butler
Vice President of Communications
Phone: 860.714.2300, ext. 230
kbutler@ctfightsMS.org

 

All active news articles