The event reunited local bands Bitch, Pezband Allstars, One Arm Bandit, Hounds with John Hunter, Dreamer, Tantrum, and Madfox, all who turned in stellar sets that belied their years apart and minimal rehearsal time. And the legendary Jimy Sohns, lead singer of the Shadows of Knight, capped the evening with an all-star encore version of “Gloria,” and a few more tunes.

Tantrum had two of its three original female lead vocalists — Pam Bradley and Sandy Caulfield — and had help from some friends. Claire Massey sat in for original singer Barb Erber, and Mike Arturi, who plays with Badfinger and the Lovin’ Spoonful, was behind the drum kit. Tantrum also featured original keyboardist, Phil Balsano (Caring Arts board president) and bassist Bill Syniar, one of the foundation’s healing arts program facilitators.

In addition, cellist Petar Kecenovici of Classical Blast performed a song with Tantrum, as did harmonica player Howard Levy, who was fresh off winning a 2012 Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition. Petar performs with Syniar at University of Chicago and Rush Cancer Centers on behalf of Caring Arts.

All of the bands that performed at the Haymakers Reunion, along with those whose songs were featured on a limited-edition promotional CD made for the event, donated their time and music. A sincere thank you to all of them, as well as to Durty Nellie's owners & staff; stage crew; the band, Phidget, for donating their stage gear; emcees Mitch Michaels & Dirty Dan Buck; raffle prize donors; the fans who came out in support of it all; and the Haymakers Reunion Committee.

View a portion of Tantrum’s performance at Haymaker’s Reunion:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub49Wz-P81o&feature=share

Haymaker’s Committee: (l-r) Barbara Weigand, Maureen Welch Bonifazi, Kathy Hall, Chuck Hall,  Chuck Fieldman, Guy Arnston & Christine Saunders Hilton

I have to say it was an absolute amazing time at Durty Nellies and seeing old friends and the most fantastic music I have seen in a long long long time!!!! Rock on!!!!!! —Candy Westergren-Garland, attendee Strongest Line-Up On One Stage In One Day.....In The History Of This Town.....Big Fun.....All The Bands Were Spectacular.....Thanks For Including Me....." — Mitch Michaels, emcee Great way to spend a Sunday...and all for charity...what a blast! —Barb Steinke Grennardo, attendee

Healing Artist and cellist, Petar Kecenovici, was fresh off performances with Andrea Bocelli when he sat in with Tantrum at the Haymaker’s reunion. Shown here with guitarist, Ray Sapko. Photo by Zac Wesoloski

I am in awe of 02.26.12 at Durty Nellies, when many were able to come and share in Haymakers Reunion... Everything about this day was just above and beyond! Magical! It feels really nice to know that some really good causes benefited from this event…. And it was sooo much fun! You All Rock! Thank you so much. It has been a privilege and an honor being a part of the Haymaker Reunion, and an experience of a lifetime.
— Tony Gagliano, performer



Lots more feedback, photos, videos and more on the Haymakers Group page on Facebook.