Band to benefit Friends of Night People
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

Amherst resident Joe McCarthy started performing with his brother in the early 1990s.

The duo eventually evolved into noted Buffalo Celtic-rock group McCarthyizm.

"We've put out four releases, and we're working on our fifth," McCarthy said.

The band has toured the northeast and in California and has shared a stage with the Goo Goo Dolls, Eddie Money, 10,000 Maniacs and John Waite and the Smithereens.

While the band has performed throughout Western New York for several years, it has also established a holiday tradition that eight years ago became a tradition of giving.

"We've been doing a Christmas party at Nietzsche's (in downtown Buffalo) for about 15 years," McCarthy said. "About eight years ago, we decided to have it benefit Friends of Night People, which is right down the street."

Friends of Night People, an Allentown based nonprofit organization, has been providing essential services to the homeless, destitute and working poor of the community for more than 35 years.

As in previous years, all proceeds from McCarthyizm's Christmas show will go directly to Friends of Night People.

The show, which starts at 8 p.m., will include performances not only by McCarthyizm but also by 10,000 Maniacs duo John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey, A Potters Field, the ifs, Dee Adams and House Cats, Poor Ould Goat and Guillermo Izguierdo of the Corrections.

"I've known John (Lombardo) for years, just being in the business, and now that Mary's back in town, they're more accessible," McCarthy said.

Admission to the show, which is once again being held at Nietzche's, 248 Allen St., Buffalo, is $7, but a $2 discount will be given to those who bring a nonperishable food item or new or used winter clothing to donate.

"We usually get several hundred people coming through the door," said McCarthy. "We always donate a carload of food and several hundred dollars."

McCarthy noted that while the band is looking to expand its reach by adding more corporate sponsorship, those who supported the band early on are not forgotten.

"I like to support Nietzche's because the owner, Joe Rubino, has done a lot for original music," he said. "It ends up being a good night for him, too, but he always makes a donation."

For more information, visit www. mccarthyizm. com.