Dale Watson Benefit Concert on the Patio! (plus strega buffet!)

Known as one of the hardest-working real country musicians and producers, Watson has been creating music and performing live for over 40 years. He has shared the stage with such icons as Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson, among others. Watson has appeared on David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, and Austin City Limits, but most of the time, he is touring the world, delighting his fans and keeping the country music roots sound alive. With over 30 albums and singles, “Dale” knows his way around the recording studio, which is why he built Wat-sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, complete with the 1937 board from Sun Studio.

“Dale brings this really unique energy to his performances, and it just fits with everything we are about here at Strega. When we saw him live in Austin, we knew we needed to get him to the U.P.,” said Rachael Grossman, Strega Nonna owner and chef. “We’ve had a number of people coming in asking when Dale would be back. We’re excited to have him back to support Trillium House for a second year.”

The event kicks off at 6 pm with an Italian buffet spread featuring some of Strega Nonna's favorites, followed by an opening performance by local favorite Flat Broke Blues Band out on the Strega outdoor patio from 6:45 - 7:15 pm. Watson will hit the stage around 7:30 pm. Silent and live auctions will also be held to benefit Trillium House. A dessert buffet featuring Strega favorites will follow the start of the headline performance. A select number of auction items will be featured, including a dinner and an overnight stay at Strega Nonna. The special live auction will feature one of the last pieces available from the late, well-known artist Dan Cook.

Cook and his family benefited from care at Trillium House. In one final act of community service, Cook, along with his wife, Marilyn, gifted the harbor scene included in the auction to Trillium House to help the organization. Funding from the event, including ticket sales, donations, and auction items, is set to support the Dan Mazzuchi Care Fund, which provides financial assistance to individuals enrolled in hospice and staying at Trillium House who are facing economic hardship.

“It has been an incredible year at Trillium House,” said Melissa Cavill, executive director. “We’ve served many residents and families throughout our area, and a number of these folks need financial assistance to be able to afford care. Many people don’t realize that most insurance, including Medicare, doesn’t pay for custodial care. We’re hoping to generate critical funding for the care fund to replenish what we’ve needed to use this year to care for our residents and families.”

Trillium House is an onsite residential care facility that provides support to individuals enrolled in hospice or in need of short-term care, who are unable to remain at home. All individuals utilizing Trillium services receive a private room and bath overlooking the woods, home-style meals, and 24-hour care and support in a beautiful, homelike setting. Each resident room is designed and furnished to allow families to stay with their loved ones. Family members are able to visit at any time, and support is provided based on each resident’s unique needs. Trillium’s experienced care staff helps with meals, makes sure residents are comfortable and safe, assists with medications, or simply holds a hand and listens.

“Every bit of funding helps! We urge everyone to pick up tickets to support the care fund, come out to enjoy a good time, try some great food from Strega, and bid on auction items,” said Cavill. “If you aren’t able to join us, consider getting tickets for a family member or friend, or using it as a reward for staff. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create some meaningful moments of your own.” For additional information or event tickets, visit www.strega.fun or stop by Strega Nonna or Trillium House.