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The Martha's Vineyard Times is a weekly publication.
April 28 - May 4, 2005 Edition
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Entertainment Spotlight December 16, 2004 There is no new Entertainment Spotlight this week. "Blessed to Be Here" December 2, 2004 By Julian Wise Sabrina Luening and baby Ella. Unbusted. Evan Dando. File photo by Ralph Stewart The Saturday Night benefit concert at the Atlantic Connection for Ella, the infant daughter of Jeremy Goedicke and Sabrina Luening, is a family affair in the best sense of the word. Performers will include Ms. Luening’s brother Erich and their cousin, platinum-selling singer/guitarist Evan Dando (The Lemonheads). The Unbusted, a Boston-based band whose members come from the Island, will round out the bill. The show promises to raise funds and good wishes for the month-old infant who had surgery to correct congenital heart disease and recently returned to Boston’s Children’s Hospital for treatment of a post-surgical heart infection. Baby Ella, born on November 2, is named for the famed singer Ella Fitzgerald. Her mother, 32-year old Sabrina Luening, is a powerhouse singer who can belt out full-throated blues or croon smoky jazz. This summer she was seen singing Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday” at the 125th anniversary of the Methodist Campgrounds, performing at weddings with Jerry Bennett, and opening for Ben Taylor at the Hot Tin Roof. At the time this article was written, Sabrina was in Boston as Ella prepared for a second operation. “She won’t leave Ella’s side,” Sabrina’s mother, Louisa, said in a telephone interview. “I have a lot of prayer chains going on in every faith available. It’s a big thing to me to have prayers sent out to Ella and Sabrina.” Louisa has raised her three children (Erich, Sabrina, and Talia) on the Island over the last three decades and says she is inspired and amazed by the altruistic nature of the community in times of need. “The Vineyard is a family. When something happens to someone you love, they’re here. It’s such a miracle, and I feel comforted to be here.” For Sabrina’s brother Erich, who will perform with Job Yacubian, Pinto Abrams, Judd Fuller, and Robbie Soltz, there’s a telling symmetry to his performance. Several years ago Sabrina took to the stage at an Atlantic Connection fundraiser to celebrate Erich’s recovery from injuries sustained in a severe auto accident. Now, Erich is the one who will be performing. “It feels good to return the favor, especially for my sister,” Erich says. He describes the steadfast strength and tenacity his sister has displayed during Ella’s medical ordeal, and says, “It’s amazing to see the changes Sabrina has gone through as a mother. She’s doing as well as anyone could at this time, and I’m proud of her.” Louisa Luening says that her family has been sustained through the difficulties and uncertainties of Ella’s medical ordeal by the kindness and compassion of the Vineyard community, whether it’s material donations or words of support on the street. “These children are my life,” Louisa says. “This community is amazing. We’re blessed to be here.” Julian Wise is a freelance writer, educator, and, since 1998, a frequent contributor to The Times, specializing in music, film, and performing arts.

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