10 May 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Susan MacNeil, 603-357-6855

"Songs for the Garden" at Keene Unitarian Church - May 22

Proceeds from "Songs for the Garden," a concert that will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Washington Street, Keene on Saturday, May 22 will be dedicated toward maintaining the Starr Memorial Garden.  In 2009, the church and AIDS Services for the Monadnock Region (ASMR) rededicated the memoriam as a contemplative sacred space in honor of Unitarian minister Deane Starr, who died from AIDS on November 6, 1996.  His son, Paul, died from AIDS in 1992.

The AIDS Cobblestone Memorial Garden was originally dedicated by ASMR on the corner of Spruce and Carroll Streets in September 2000.  The Garden was created as a way to remember the lives of individuals who have died from AIDS, and the medical and spiritual caregivers who worked to make a difference in their lives.  A total of 45 persons were commemorated between 2000 and 2003, when the cobblestones were removed for safety reasons.  The Garden resurfaced in 2007 at the Keene Unitarian Church.

Featured performers include Bernadette Weimer and Marco Rosato, performing selections from original and folk to Broadway standards.  Rosato most recently performed at the 20th anniversary celebration of ASMR.

Door 7;30p, show 8;00p; admission $10/person, children under 12 free.  Purchase tickets online with VISA/MC at www.asmronline.org or by calling 603.357.6855.

The Keene Unitarian Universalist Church is a welcoming congregation that has served the Keene community since 1824.   603-352-1719, www.keeneuuchurch.org

ASMR is supported in part by the Monadnock United Way, City of Keene, Broadway Cares and the generosity of individuals throughout the Monadnock Region.