NORTHPORT — Every March, Shannon Thompson gets her groove going for the community about this time. It’s her birthday and she wants you to dance. And, she wants to raise money for a particular effort. This year, for her sixth annual Birthday Benefit, she’s holding a dance party at the Blue Goose in Northport March 5 and is featuring the Ghost of Paul Revere band. Beforehand, there will be food courtesy of Cafe Miranda, and beer courtesy of Andrews Ale, of Lincolnville.

All money raised (after expenses) from the old school dance party will fund LifeFlight of Maine, the state’s nonprofit critical care air transporter.

Thompson’s Birthday Benefits, as she calls them, are run independent of the recipient organization, meaning she puts together the whole shebang, and has a blast doing so, with the help of dozens of volunteers, donors, and sponsors.

Born on the banks of the Saco River, brothers in all but name, the Ghost of Paul Revere is Maine's premiere holler-folk band. With a sound built around powerful three-part harmonies, energetic performances, and a non-traditional way of interpreting traditional American music, their songs have unique identities while still remaining undeniably the Ghost of Paul Revere.

 They use a masterful combination of melody and energy, somewhere between folk and foot-stomping bluegrass, that has already given Ghost shows legendary status. Fans have traveled vast distances from the most remote corners of the country to catch the band as they make an increasingly bigger mark on the scene.

Thompson is choosing LifeFlight this year as her recipient organization for several reasons. She swam the Islesboro Crossing, and has helped LifeFlight promote that annual August fundraising event, which sends swimmers from Lincolnville Beach to Islesboro.

“As I learned more about the organization and the people involved, my appreciation and respect for their work skyrocketed,” she said. “I think everyone likes LifeFlight, but a lot of people aren't aware of the depth of quality and breadth of services they provide. Like maybe a lot of people, I thought they just showed up at car accidents and transported people to hospitals. But I learned that they do so much more. Last summer I heard about two-year old Oliver on Islesboro, who ingested something poisonous. LifeFlight was called in, and within minutes the helicopter landed and the flight crew went to work on that little boy. They saved his life right then and there. That's when it really hit home for me: they are bringing the hospital to the patients.” Thompson hopes to net $5,000 from the event. She is selling 150 tickets for the Cafe Miranda dinner with the band. This includes dessert, a drink, a raffle ticket), and the tickets will only be sold in advance. For those who can't make the show but want to support the event, there's also a raffle this year. Two prizes: Get On Up or Chow Down. A one-hour sightseeing flight donated by Penobscot Island Air. Or a package of a dozen restaurant and food gift cards that is worth more than $500. “Why do I do these?” said Thompson. “Because a party that does some good in the world is infinitely rewarding. Honestly, it's totally self-serving. And I'm blown away by the goodness and generosity of the people who step up for this thing. People are messaging me and asking me if they can donate! It's amazing. The crowd is always so incredibly positive and fun. It's full of heart and soul, the best of community, the best of humanity. Of course I want to be in the middle of it.” She also believes in the mission of LifeFlight. So much she is now working for the organization as special events coordinator. “In Maine, we have a lot of people who live way too far from a hospital to make it in time when there's a serious emergency,” she said. “My parents live on Vinalhaven, and if they need the ER, it's literally hours away without LifeFlight. Then and there I decided that I wanted 2016 birthday party proceeds to go to LifeFlight.” 

The warm-up party starts at 5:30 and tickets (advance only; limited to 150) are $50 including the meal, beer, and show. The show with cash bar starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Info and tickets: www.birthdaybenefit.org or 207-975-2992.

 

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657