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A big thank you is in order to all the folks who made the Urban Conservancy’s first-ever benefit a rousing success—on a school night, no less.

Over 150 people attended the screening of the film Unbroken Line of History: Faubourg Marigny and the concert by local favorites Saaraba. Of course, thanks to everyone who attended. We hope you had fun.

This event would have never happened without the help of many outstanding individuals. First, we are grateful that Saaraba was our willing accomplice in all of this, putting on a great show. In addition to playing at our event, Saaraba horn man Josh Scalfe has been a long time supporter of the Urban Conservancy, even writing “UC Fanfare,” the theme song for the Urban Conservancy’s TV show, “Dispatch from the City.”

The projection of the film was handled by architect Rami Diaz. Rami is a long time UC supporter, a good friend and Ed’s landlord. Rami’s eye for design is unparalleled and he made sure the film was so clear only the filmmakers could be blamed for anything that looked bad. We had great doormen for the evening as well. Robert Rothman was the deal maker and Marcus Stricklin was the gentle enforcer. Steve Godfrey handled publicity, laying down a barrage of fliers in selected neighborhoods throughout the city.

And of course, a huge thanks is in order to the folks who appeared in the film: James Michalopoulos, Bingo Starr, Dr. Mary Gail Snyder, Yoni Mazuz, Saaraba, Mexico 1910, assorted partiers and Jason Wiese, who gave the film its intellectual muscle.

On a personal note, I owe a huge thank you to Sean Gerowin. Sean and I completed the film last year and at Sean’s suggestion, decided to have its premier screening be a fundraiser for the Urban Conservancy. Sean did virtually all of the legwork for the event, arranging schedules, managing publicity and generally being a dynamo of energy every step of the way. Sean also set up the day of the event and packed it up while I headed home early to get up for work. He continues to be a delightful and challenging collaborator and he has set the bar high for future UC events. We owe him big time.

-EM

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