In a first-time, one-of-a-kind musical performance, Ruskin VFW Post 6287 will present “Music for a Cause” on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 4 p.m., during which listeners can enjoy four different local entertainers all on one stage.
Hosted by the duo Bert and Sassy, and featuring guest musicians Calvin Oatsvall, Ben Meyer and John Zilba, the event promises to be a fun-filled evening for all ages. The music continues until 10 p.m., with games, prizes, a 50/50 drawing, $5 pulled pork sandwiches and chips. Music for a Cause is open to the public, with proceeds benefiting the VFW and local veterans.
Bert and Sassy (Robert Keyth and Sassy Lynne) are familiar faces to fans in the local area, performing in a variety of venues such as the American Legion, Elks Lodge, Prime Time Sports Grill, and Uncle Fats in Tampa. Bert is a seasoned, versatile performer, playing as many as nine instruments in one show, including guitar, piano, tenor sax, soprano sax, flute, banjo, bass, fiddle and percussion. He has been called the “One Man Jam” because of his amazing musical diversity.
His wife Sassy is multi-talented as well, singing classic rock, country and blues, and playing piano, bass and guitar. Some people have called her “Leather Lungs” and “The Yodeler” because of her powerful alto voice and ability to sing anything. Sassy grew up right outside of Nashville, and spent most of her childhood getting her
name known throughout the area. She appeared on many local radio and television stations and traveled with multiple bands, even opening for John Michael Montgomery in Panama City Beach, Fla. Bert also has a history in Nashville, where he performed with his popular “Sand Band” and wrote songs for artists such as B.J. Thomas and Stonewall Jackson.
Calvin Oatsvall (nicknamed Calvin O) is a regular country performer on the local music scene, appearing at multiple chapters of the VFW, American Legion, Amvets, Moose and Eagle lodges, as well as Alpha Pizza House, Bunkers at Sandpiper Grille and Latitudes in Apollo Beach. A resident of Ruskin, Calvin’s easy blend of country, rock and Southern rock make him a popular entertainer for listeners of all ages. You can find him each week at the VFW in Ruskin, playing “Singles Night.” His original single, “One Nation Under God,” is a sought-after favorite of the audience.
John Zilba is fairly new to performing on stage, having begun his career singing karaoke venues all around the area. He jokes that he was originally “discovered” by his wife Pam, who heard him singing in the shower and thought she was listening to Willie Nelson on the radio. His voice is so uncannily like Willie’s that his fans have nicknamed him “Willie Z.” He performs regularly at the Ruskin VFW, and is constantly evolving in his act, adding new songs each week. John will be performing the beloved songs of Willie Nelson and a variety of other country classics.
Ben Meyer, leader of the Ben Meyer’s Band, has played shows all over Florida, both as a solo act and a full band. He can be found performing at Showtown and River’s Edge in Gibsonton, The Landing in Valrico, the American Legion in Riverview, the Ruskin Moose Lodge and the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa. He says his musical style has been influenced by classic rock, blues, folk and heavy metal, as he has performed them all. With an exhaustive list of shows (231 performances last year alone), Ben keeps his band busy, and also enjoys performing in a duo with Kathy, his wife of three years. His instruments include electric guitar, resonator and ukulele, as well as an interesting antique lap steel guitar from 1947. Ben is currently celebrating the release of his new CD, titled U.S. 41, which can be accessed at reverbnation.com.
For more information about Music for a Cause, visit its event page on Facebook or contact the VFW Memorial Post 6287, 5120 U.S. 41 N, Ruskin, 813-645-2935. The public is welcome.