Lemonade Gang Fundraiser July 24 at Owenego

A remarkable 12 years have passed since the kids of The Lemonade Gang first sold lemonade, then began putting on shows to raise money for research to cure childhood diseases.

On Sunday evening, July 24, once again inspired by their friend and Branford resident Brian Kelley, the Lemonade Gang returns to the Owenego Beach Club for a special summer cabaret. This time, the gang will perform "Broadway Show Stoppers" under the big tent overlooking Long Island Sound.

"We'll have chairs for the audience, but a lot of people like to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs and set them up under the tent. It's a nice summer night," said Ryan Bloomquist, co-founder with Greg Nobile of the Lemonade Gang.

The magical night of live music and memorable performances is set to entertain an audience of all ages, especially those who love those tunes that bring down the house.

"We've tried to put all of the favorite moments of Broadway shows into one show, the peak moments in everything from old-fashioned musicals to new musicals," said Nobile.

Nobile and Bloomquist both graduated from Branford High School (BHS) in June. They co-founded the gang when they were still in elementary school, literally selling lemonade, at first, to raise money. To date, Lemonade Gang fundraisers have raised more than $80,000 for research programs. The Lemonade Gang received a Prudential Spirit of Community Award (2007) as one of the Top 100 Youth Run Charity Organizations in America and has also been honored with an American Red Cross Hero Award and with Rotary International's Paul Harris Fellowships.

Nobile and Bloomquist were inspired to create the gang to help their buddy Kelley, a BHS 2010 graduate who lives with adrenoleukodystrophy. The progressive condition affects the adrenal glands and myelin, which insulates the nerves of the brain and spinal cord.

One hundred percent of proceeds from July 24's "Broadway Show Stoppers" will benefit the non-profit Myelin Project. Lemonade Gang fans at this year's show will yet again be treated to acts featuring talented high school- through college-aged performers who, like Nobile and Bloomquist, honed their skills at least in part through the well-respected BHS music and theater programs. Both Nobile and Bloomquist starred in this year's memorable BHS production of The Phantom of the Opera.

Lemonade Gang shows are directed, produced, and hosted by Nobile and Bloomquist (who also join the cast to act and sing). Other community members who sign on to assist the gang include BHS Music Director Cathyann Roding, who has for the past several years accompanied the gang on keyboard during rehearsals and joins the live band on show night.

Joining Roding in the "Broadway Show Stoppers" live band on July 24 are Branford residents Dylan Kemble (guitar) John Kemble (drums), Shane Emery (guitar), and Emmett Cassidy (bass).

Join the Lemonade Gang this Sunday, July 24 at 7 p.m. for "Broadway Show Stoppers" under the big tent at the Owenego Beach Club, 40 Linden Avenue, Branford. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets will be available; $10 for adults and $7 for students. Advance tickets on sale now at the Owenego office or call 203-488-3805. For more information, visit www.thelemonadegang.org.