The sounds of the Great American Songbook will return to the stage for Domestic Church Media’s second annual benefit concert at 3 p.m. Sept. 10 in the auditorium of Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville.
“We received so much positive feedback from last year’s concert, we thought we’d try it again,” said Jim Manfredonia, co-founder and CEO of the Catholic media apostolate. “We were told that many people wanted to attend last year but didn’t want to drive at night. So, this year we’re having it on a Sunday afternoon, hoping that it will enable more folks to come.”
Manfredonia will once again delight audiences with pieces by Frank Sinatra, accompanied by the Summer Swing Orchestra of Flemington. His wife, Cheryl, will also offer piano accompaniment, and his daughter, Angela, will sing standards made popular by Judy Garland, Liza Minelli and more.
“When you’re singing songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, there is a wide catalogue to draw from,” Manfredonia explained, “so I’m adding some songs that we didn’t do last year in addition to the standard hits that are most associated with him. This year, Cheryl has prepared a special piece on the piano with the orchestra that I’m sure will be a real crowd-pleaser.”
Domestic Church Media not only operates four radio stations, covering large areas of the state, but also streams programs live on its website and other online platforms like YouTube. Programming includes the Diocese of Camden’s Talking Catholic podcast, EWTN syndicated broadcasts, “Friday LIVE with Jim and Cheryl” and more.
The DCM fall benefit concert is one of two major fundraisers that help support the Catholic media entity; the Spring Radiothon raises much of the operating costs, while the concert acts as a much-needed supplement.
“Our radio stations are listener- and benefactor-supported, and it’s been a challenge for us since the pandemic, so we’re always trying to find creative and different ways to fundraise,” Manfredonia said. “A special patron has underwritten the production costs, so all the proceeds from the concert will go to support DCM.”
Reserved seat tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at domesticchurchmedia.org/2023-benefit-concert. (Do not call the high school for tickets.)
Notre Dame High School is located at 601 Lawrenceville Road.
EmmaLee Italia is a contributing editor with The Monitor, the magazine for the Diocese of Trenton.
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