Area musicians to play at the Stanhope House

SUSSEX COUNTY-Area musicians and Centenary College public radio station WNTI will sponsor "Ocean of Tears — Wave of Hope," a benefit for victims of the tsunami disaster, 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 6, at the Stanhope House. Local artists Blue Sparks From Hell, Peter Karp and the Roadshow Band, Teddy Young and the Aces, and singer-songwriters Patrick Fitzsimmons and Bobby Syvarth will perform. Tim Carbone, a member of both the Blue Sparks From Hell and Railroad Earth, came up with the idea and called WNTI general manager Paul Maasson to ask for his assistance. "Four years ago, I spent some time in Phuket, Thailand, and South India and fell in love with both places," said Carbone. "The shear devastation and heartbreaking loss left me feeling numb and helpless. Musicians always seem to come forward in times like these to help and this was no exception. Everyone I called wanted to contribute somehow." Maasson thought it was a great idea. "We had been thinking of putting something together of our own and the ‘Ocean of Tears — Wave of Hope' benefit seemed a natural fit," he said. Concerns were raised about the date conflicting with the Superbowl. "Since most of the artists were only available on the Feb. 6, we decided to make it a Superbowl party as well," said Carbone. "The back room of the Stanhope House will feature a large screen TV and we'll have hors d'oeurves and snacks. Hey, musicians like football, too." Tickets are $20. For information, call (908) 979-435 or (570) 476-6069; or visit www.timcarbone.com