ROCKLAND ROCKS

“Phantom of the Opera” star Rita Harvey, with her composer husband Neil Berg, were among the guests playing for musicians stricken with cancer. Photo by Kathy Kahn.

Sunny skies, springlike temperatures and a host of musical artists attracted 1,000 guests to the Rockland Bergen Music Festival held at the Gaelic Athletic Association last month. The gates opened promptly at 11:30 a.m. and by mid-afternoon, the facility was jumping to the sound of 20 bands and solo artists who provided the music until sunset.
Hosted by the Dan Sullivan Foundation, in association with musician Joe D’Urso’s Rockland-Bergen Music Festival, the event was a fundraiser for two musicians battling cancer: Tim O’Donohue and Greg Lykins. The all-day music fest, along with food, fun for supporters, friends and family, provided everyone the opportunity to mingle, enjoy the music and help raise awareness of the obstacles a person can face when hit with a health crisis. In addition to the unexpected costs of doctors, tests and treatment, the loss of income can be devastating, and the overflow crowd responded in kind. “It was a wonderful opportunity to show our support for the musicians and the entire community,” said D’Urso.