MARIE ORTIZ Lee Chernovitz (l) and Dan Avissar play at BobFest in East Brunswick on Sunday. The music festival raised money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
By nicole c. vaccaro
Staff Writer
EAST BRUNSWICK — Rich Curtis and Scott Kuchinsky, coordinators of Sunday’s Bobfest, were successful in raising more than $1,700 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
The rock concert was held at Playhouse 22 and featured more than five local bands, including the sounds of Curtis and Kuchinsky’s own group, Wrath of Bob, thus the name of the festival.
MARIE ORTIZ Drummer Greg Meisenberg, of Capt. Falafel and the Technicolor Cheez Whiz, performs during BobFest in East Brunswick on Sunday.
"It’s funny, actually. Some people thought their name had to be Bob to attend," Kuchinsky said. "Apparently there is another Bobfest in Ohio or something where that is the case."
All kidding aside, however, the event went off without a hitch and raised money for a very worthy cause.
According to Curtis, "It was a very low-key and productive day. The Starlight Children’s Foundation of New York and New Jersey was mailed a cashier’s check on Monday."
"We seriously didn’t expect to raise that much," Kuchinsky said, "but we’re in no way complaining. We’re just happy it all worked out."
This fall, the two band mates will head to The College of New Jersey, Ewing. As for plans of a second annual Bobfest, Kuchinsky said, "We really need to step back and let this all sink in. It’s just so overwhelming right now."
Curtis and Kuchinsky thanked the Township Council and Mayor Bill Neary for their support during the public portion of Monday night’s meeting.
"Mayor Neary, especially, was really great about everything and was honest with us from the start," Curtis said. "He helped us find the venue, which his son happens to work for, and everyone there was very accommodating and gracious."
The mayor, however, maintained that the two band mates’ efforts were the real driving force behind the concert’s success.
"They were extremely tenacious and committed to seeing this happen," Neary said. "I must admit we had our concerns at first, but the day turned great, with nice performances and everyone enjoying themselves.
"The behavior and actions of these two young men is truly commendable," he added.