Pianists put heart, soul in BlizzAid

By Aaron Shaw, Journal correspondent | Tuesday, November 18, 2008

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Pianists of all ages and skill levels tickled the ivories for a good cause at Sunday’s BlizzAid event.

The event raised money to help offset costs incurred by the Black Hills Chapter of the American Red Cross for aid provided after the blizzard last week. Nearly 3,000 power poles were lost during the storm leaving almost 13,000 people without electricity. 

After the blizzard, the Red Cross provided basic needs to the communities of Wanblee, Parmelee, Norris, Corn Creek and Potato Creek in addition to mobile feeding routes. Richard Smith, executive director of the Black Hills Chapter of the American Red Cross, said he appreciated the efforts put forth by BlizzAid organizer Marie Tesch.

“The Red Cross starts a response immediately,” Smith said. “It’s after we’re done that we worry about covering costs.”

Experienced pianists, as well as students of local piano teachers Marie Tesch and Deanna Ziarko, performed during the BlizzAid event. A special feature was a duet of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” by skilled pianists Cora Fried and Mina DeWitt. 

Guest players arrived throughout the evening. Mila Belakova, accomplished pianist and piano teacher at Black Hills Piano Gallery, played “Italian Polka” by Sergei Rachmaninov. Karen Waltman and Cleone Mayclin played a duet of “Silent Night.” 

Audience members voted on the best players by pledging donations on their ballot sheets. Players with the most votes advanced to the next round. 

The event also included a marathon playing of “Heart and Soul.”  A visit by the Phantom, played by local piano tuner Curtis Bauer, concluded the evening as he played the event attendees out. 

When asked what it was like to play in front of all those people, 6-year-old Hannah Smith said, “It was a little scary.” 

“It’s a fun event,” Ziarko said. “I’ve been teaching (piano) for 40 years so there are children of former students that I teach and that are playing here tonight.”

The event was at Tuscany Hall, courtesy of Tony and Connie Thomas, within the Black Hills Piano Gallery. 

Tesch said she hoped to raise about $500 for the Red Cross. By the night’s end $555.03 was raised, and an anonymous donor agreed to match that amount, bringing the total to $1,110.06. 

“I am just thrilled,” Tesch said. “It just goes to show you what a great community we live in.”

Anyone who wants to donate to the Red Cross can call 342-4010 or go to its Web site at www.blackhillsredcross.org.