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Benefit for Haiti offers music, dancing

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By Eric Robinette, Staff Writer 11:56 AM Thursday, March 11, 2010

MIDDLETOWN — Local talent will tell jokes, pantomime, and play music to benefit both Haiti earthquake victims and local people in need.

The event will run from 6 to 11:30 tonight, March 12 at the Manchester Inn, 1027 Manchester Ave., Middletown.

Organized by local promoter Miracle Hurston, the event had been scheduled for last month, but was postponed because of a snowstorm, he said.

The entertainment includes the Middletown group Mimes of Inspiration, local musicians Rob Hoffman and Jay Brunner and comedian Mark Gregory.

Hoffman is the frontman of the group Uncle Daddy and the Family Secret. He and Brunner, who heads up the Middletown-based band Johnny B. and the Gravediggers, frequently perform together. Gregory is a comedian who is popular on the gospel/church circuit.

Gregory, of Dayton, has opened for nationally known comedians like Mike Epps, Mark Curry and D.L. Hughley,

“I’m an overall clean comedian. My approach is, funny is funny. I cover a very wide range of topics from Facebook to politics,” said Gregory.

Speaking at the event will be Middletown Mayor Larry Mulligan and Vice Mayor Anita Scott Jones.

Hurston had been seeing the plight of Haiti on TV and wanted to do something special to help.

“My expertise is in organizing events, so if you have a certain ability, why not use it for good?” Hurston asked.

Hurston also recognizes that people at home need help too. Therefore, 75 percent of the proceeds will go to relief for Haiti, but 25 percent will stay with the local chapter of the American Red Cross, he said.

The benefit costs $25 and runs from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Dinner will be served. An after-party with music, drinks and dancing runs from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. and costs $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Manchester or by calling (513) 435-0181.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.