Silenced spoons

Callicoon Center Band to raise funds for member

By SANDY LONG

CALLICOON CENTER, NY — What is the sound of two spoons tapping in a country bandstand on a summer evening? Those who have managed to catch the magic of Agnes Tilson, the Callicoon Center Band’s spirited spoon player, surely know. Those who haven’t may not gain the opportunity to do so any time soon, as Tilson strives to overcome cancer, a challenge made more daunting by a lack of health insurance and wearying struggle to obtain treatment for the disease.

Earlier this year, Tilson learned she had a tumor in her abdomen, following delays in a diagnosis. Since then, she has been jockeyed from one medical institution to another, with mounting bills and toll-taking treatments to face.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 46 million Americans were uninsured as of 2007, leaving them vulnerable to the type of situation Tilson, now 68, faces. To help their fellow musician through this crisis, the Callicoon Center Band has scheduled a benefit concert for September 26, beginning at 3:00 p.m., in the Callicoon Center Bandstand at the corner of Main Street and Anawanda Road in Callicoon Center.

And just as is done at every summer evening performance, cigar boxes will be passed through the crowd to collect whatever funds will be forthcoming.

Band members decided to pass up a gig at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in order to hold the fundraiser for Tilson in their own wooden bandstand. They’re counting on the community to come through for its spoon player, just as it does for its hometown band.

“Agnes is an icon of our band, and another victim of our national healthcare crisis,” said Jim Newton, conductor of the band. “How many bands are lucky enough to have a spoon player?” asked Newton, who heads up the 40-person band, ranging in age from 14 to 90.

Through 2009, the band is celebrating 75 years since its first performance back in 1934. And although times have changed, there is a comforting sense of continuity created by this musical community gem that reliably offers up a dose of classic Americana every Wednesday throughout the summer.

As Peter Applebome points out in a New York Times story about the band, there are things one can count on, like the fact that concerts begin at 8:00 p.m., end at 9:00 p.m. and typically include Glenn Miller’s “American Patrol.” There is always a pie raffle, and four worn cigar boxes for donations. Tilson is always there, wearing out her spoons every five years or so.

This weekend, the pie raffle will be held, the toe-tapping melodies, marches, polkas and cherished classics that have brought listeners immeasurable pleasure will ring out. Those who attend will no doubt experience a sense of time standing still, even if for just a few hours, while a small community celebrates its special members and their unique gifts.

Don’t miss the opportunity to catch those moments this weekend, and to support a special spoon player at her time of need. Donations may also be sent to the Callicoon Center Band, P.O. Box 70, Callicoon Center, NY 12724.