Angels get their wings at Chelsea fundraiser

By Hannah Sabourin

Over a dozen Hills performers will sing for charity on Dec. 3 at this year’s Angel’s Share Concert in Chelsea.

There are two shows on that day – one starting at 2 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m.

The event is organized by Partage Chelsea Share, a non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds for people affected by social inequality or crisis; the group has approximately 10 volunteers.

Through their fundraising efforts at the Angels Share event, they will partner with the Wakefield Food Pantry to gift toys and assemble food baskets for families and refugees in need.

Partage Chelsea Share organizers said they hope to sell 115 tickets per show. Last year, the group raised $5,000. This year, they hope to raise a comparable amount, according to Deborah Thomson, a Partage Chelsea Share volunteer, who took the lead on the Angels Share event.

Chelsea musician Ian Tamblyn founded this yearly event 16 years ago. While the concert event is now under new leadership, over a dozen musicians continue to fill the La Fab sur Mill stage every holiday season with beautiful tunes in the name of community building.

“This show has a dual purpose. It provides some comfort to those who need it. But it’s also a joyous occasion for those attending. So, my goal is to see some smiling eyes,” said Thomson. “The range of music will be rather eclectic. Joyful surprises are always good.”

In addition to Thomson herself, performers include Phil Jenkins, John Pomeroy, Lee Bowie, the Paugan Dames, Bob Webb, Jill Rick, Dawn Pritchard, Alireza Tarviji, and more.

“We have folk, classical, bluegrass, Scottish, and rock [performances] — it’s all over the map,” said Thomson about the concert.

This year’s theme is joy and artists are being encouraged to play songs that reflect this.

When asked what fills her with joy, Thomson responded, “Oh, that’s easy! Dancing, swimming in the ocean, and children’s laughter.”

For more information on the Angels Share concert to buy matinee tickets, visit bit. ly/3ENUone.

For evening tickets, visit bit. ly/3EuTCKk. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $5 for children.