Hello Friends.
In the swirling aftermath of Hurricane Helene, while sitting at the beach watching the rolling water, I felt unsure about how I could “try to do something to help those devastated by the storm”. I imagine that you may have initially felt like I did; mulling over ruminating feelings of powerlessness and grief. Would our efforts only be a drop in the bucket, if so, why even try? I didn’t let myself continue in that train of thought. I got off the beach, shook off despair and began to make a plan, to “try” to help…somehow. Somewhere, somehow, Rachel and Friends was going to give a concert to raise money for the survivors of the Hurricane(s), bringing people together around the comforting warm hearth of music.
The LONG HAUL OF LOVE engine ignited, together we collaborated and began to prepare for today. Thank you for joining us. Thank you for joining our mission and for giving what energies and resources you have available to Episcopal Relief and Development. We are in this together.
Here is a little bit of information about the musicians performing for you today.
Sirlister Smiley
Born and raised in the heat and beauty of Jacksonville Florida, Sirlister has appeared in print, film, television, and radio mediums. He attended and graduated from Douglas Anderson School of Arts and is a proud attendee of Christchurch Episcopal. A keen actor, writer, and vocalist, Sirlister has honed his love and craft for the arts to a fine but still human touch. He has many influences but a style all his own.
Amy Trinidad
Vocalist and violinist is a familiar face at Christ Church. Her multiple musical talents are gifts she expresses in the choir, Spanish worship service, and also as a team member with The Beaches Music Together. She truly connects with others no matter where she is, and she’s a terrific friend too. If you need prayer, ask Amy, she’ll keep you covered.
José Ramone Trinidad
Rhythm player and father of Amy Trinidad, is as diversely talented as his daughter is. His sense of timing and rhythm is intuitive and energizing as he plays all of the assorted instruments in his stash of tricks with a soft but nimble hand. His day job as a graphic designer with CW Advertising Agency keeps him a man in high demand.
Richard Wright
the bass player has been teaching music for 27 years in elementary, middle, and high school. Worked in music therapy at Northeast Fl. St. Hospital, played the double bass in the Jacksonville Symphony for five years and 25 years in the Jacksonville University Orchestra, taught strings, percussion, and general music at Lake Forest School of the Performing Arts, played professional music for about 45 years in Jazz, Top 40, blues, R & B, Motown, Disco, Rock, Country, and Show Bands. He has performed in three Jacksonville Jazz Festivals including the very first one at Mayport, Florida. Richard has been married to Joyce for 40 years, no kids, avid dog trainer, loves cycling, hiking, camping, swimming, exercise, cooking, family, composing and playing music.
Brittany Maroney
currently teaches 40 music students at her private studio in Green Cove Springs, FL. She is also the cello instructor for Sacred Music Academy in St. Augustine, FL. She is a regular guest musician for Church of Our Savior Anglican Church in Jacksonville Beach and Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra, and she has performed live music for over 2,000 weddings and private events within the last 17 years.
Brittany is honored to have had the opportunity to study with, work for, and work alongside countless talented musicians and professionals through her career to date. And, she considers it a privilege to contribute to her community through music.
Anne McKennon
is a freelance flutist and composer in Jacksonville, Florida. She can be found playing anything from Orchestral music to Rock-n-Roll and Irish jigs, tin whistle included. As a performer and a composer, she has a special affinity for programmatic works that tell stories or paint pictures. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Jacksonville University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business/Marketing from the University of South Florida. She continues to perform regularly with the Jacksonville University Orchestra, First Coast Pops Orchestra, and Rachel Kamps and Friends. One of her favorite ensembles is a duet: “The clarity of two voices can bring both simplicity and intricate complexity. It is fascinatingly malleable. medium.” Anne creates music fueled by imagination, dark chocolate, and pulling weeds. Having built her career backwards, there’s more than one way to do most things. The world needs more whimsy. And narrated musical stories.
Tim Simpson
debuting two poems today, is a retired Healthcare Executive who enjoys outdoor activities. He has a passion for writing and reading and is a Volunteer Board Member of 25 years with Challenge Enterprise. You can also find him volunteering at Mission House Jacksonville Beach. He has 3 adult children, is significantly othered and is Dad of Cooper, their pup.
Rachel Kamps-Huffman
works most days as a massage therapist and a musician. Her husband Michael is her “Long Haul of Love”, and they share life together and have 14 chickens, one cat and 2 dogs. One of these days they will ride across the United States on a motorcycle adventure. The open road awaits.