Livia
04-03-2006, 11:51 PM
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/states/pennsylvania/14248858.htm
Posted on Mon, Apr. 03, 2006
Good causes win with rock-and-roll
By Gayle Ronan Sims
Inquirer Staff Writer
The bidding for dozens of autographed guitars - from the likes of Elvis Costello, Bon Jovi and Cheap Trick - started in the hundreds of dollars.
Bruce Springsteen's had been estimated to go for $5,000; it sold for $3,200. A black Fender signed by the Rolling Stones, projected to bring in $10,000, was snapped up for $3,000.
"The prices are great," marveled Nickie Isen, who said he had bought 14 guitars for his collection.
Perhaps 200 college students, major rock-and-roll collectors, and everyone in between wandered the Electric Factory at Seventh and Willow Streets admiring the charity memorabilia yesterday afternoon.
The concert venue's chief executive officer, Larry Magid, with some of the best connections in the business, got hundreds of donations - a Black Sabbath scarf, an Elton John drumhead, a Stevie Nicks tambourine, a Stevie Wonder keyboard - for his 17th Rock and Roll Charity Auction.
Baby boomers dominated the colorful crowd, and strollers were in abundance. Children carefully chose T-shirts of their favorite groups; a smiling couple purchased a framed Aerosmith poster. Admission was free.
"Entertainers who performed at the Electric Factory donated and signed the items over the year," said Steve Martorano, a spokesman for the auction. "Every year the auction gets bigger and bigger."
Among this year's prized items was one of Fishtown guitar-maker Chris DiPinto's instruments, shaped like the Live 8 logo and signed by Dave Matthews. It sold for $1,950. The Springsteen guitar was the big winner.
The silent auction alone included 60 or so tables with such offerings as posters, clothing (Ricky Martin's autographed long-sleeve turtleneck), and dinners at the venerable Victor Cafe (where you get opera with your risotto). A live auction followed.
"We expect the total to be near $40,000 for the auction, which includes $10,000 WMMR raised in on-air bids this week," Martorano said.
The proceeds benefit Philadelphia's Music in Our Schools programs and the Police Athletic League.
Isen, who owns the I. Brewster & Co. gallery on Walnut Street and framed all the auction posters for free, said items were going for good prices.
"Usually the guys from the Hard Rock Cafe are there buying up everything," he said.
"My UPS guy, Vincent, was there bidding in the silent auction. It is a lot of fun."
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Contact staff writer Gayle Ronan Sims at 215-854-4185 or gsims@phillynews.com.
Posted on Mon, Apr. 03, 2006
Good causes win with rock-and-roll
By Gayle Ronan Sims
Inquirer Staff Writer
The bidding for dozens of autographed guitars - from the likes of Elvis Costello, Bon Jovi and Cheap Trick - started in the hundreds of dollars.
Bruce Springsteen's had been estimated to go for $5,000; it sold for $3,200. A black Fender signed by the Rolling Stones, projected to bring in $10,000, was snapped up for $3,000.
"The prices are great," marveled Nickie Isen, who said he had bought 14 guitars for his collection.
Perhaps 200 college students, major rock-and-roll collectors, and everyone in between wandered the Electric Factory at Seventh and Willow Streets admiring the charity memorabilia yesterday afternoon.
The concert venue's chief executive officer, Larry Magid, with some of the best connections in the business, got hundreds of donations - a Black Sabbath scarf, an Elton John drumhead, a Stevie Nicks tambourine, a Stevie Wonder keyboard - for his 17th Rock and Roll Charity Auction.
Baby boomers dominated the colorful crowd, and strollers were in abundance. Children carefully chose T-shirts of their favorite groups; a smiling couple purchased a framed Aerosmith poster. Admission was free.
"Entertainers who performed at the Electric Factory donated and signed the items over the year," said Steve Martorano, a spokesman for the auction. "Every year the auction gets bigger and bigger."
Among this year's prized items was one of Fishtown guitar-maker Chris DiPinto's instruments, shaped like the Live 8 logo and signed by Dave Matthews. It sold for $1,950. The Springsteen guitar was the big winner.
The silent auction alone included 60 or so tables with such offerings as posters, clothing (Ricky Martin's autographed long-sleeve turtleneck), and dinners at the venerable Victor Cafe (where you get opera with your risotto). A live auction followed.
"We expect the total to be near $40,000 for the auction, which includes $10,000 WMMR raised in on-air bids this week," Martorano said.
The proceeds benefit Philadelphia's Music in Our Schools programs and the Police Athletic League.
Isen, who owns the I. Brewster & Co. gallery on Walnut Street and framed all the auction posters for free, said items were going for good prices.
"Usually the guys from the Hard Rock Cafe are there buying up everything," he said.
"My UPS guy, Vincent, was there bidding in the silent auction. It is a lot of fun."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact staff writer Gayle Ronan Sims at 215-854-4185 or gsims@phillynews.com.