Musical superstar performing in Willimantic

Jul. 2—WILLIMANTIC — It's not very often that a musical superstar comes to the Thread City to perform. On Independence Day, however, community members will be treated to a free concert featuring Dennis Edwards' Temptations Revue, courtesy of the Lester E. and Phyllis M. Foster Foundation.

The concert is for a good cause, the people of Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia on Feb. 24.

" I can't even imagine what they're going through," Lester E. and Phyllis M. Foundation Executive director David Foster said. "When I watch it at night on the news, I just start crying."

The foundation is paying for the concert, which starts at 2 p. m. at Shaboo Stage.

"It's supposed to be very nice," Foster said, commenting on the weather forecast for that day. Foster said it is " awful" what is happening in Ukraine.

He said he is hoping that with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization getting new members and thereby getting stronger, the conflict may end soon.

During the concert, St. Mary's Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, which is in Willimantic, will collect donations to send to Ukraine.

Foster said a surprise will be announced that evening to help a family of nine who escaped Ukraine and now lives in Simsbury, whom he met.

Gov. Ned Lamont and Rev. Ivan Bilyk of the St. Mary's Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Willimantic are expected to speak during the event.

Lamont will also sing and play the keyboard alongside the band and Foster, who is the singer for the Shaboo All-Stars. People can bring food and drinks in cans, but glass bottles will not be permitted for safety reasons.

" We're just trying to be safe," Foster said.

Those who would like to donate, but can't attend the concert, can mail a check to: St. Mary's Ukrainian

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