Culinary Rocker' to help raise money for young local artists

GOSHEN-Celebrity guest chef Johnny Ciao, otherwise known the "Culinary Rocker," will bring food and music to a fundraiser to benefit an organization that promotes young Orange County artists. Johnny Ciao's Blues Buffets have been a hit since 1996, when Johnny presented them in cities around the world, including Boston, Montreal, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Barcelona. Johnny has cooked for and with numerous celebrities, including Michael Jackson, Marlon Brando, Whitney Houston, The Grateful Dead, Carlos Santana, and Willie Nelson. Known for his outrageous personality, he often appears on television, and peppers his performances with anecdotes about celebrity eating habits, the importance of teaching children the fundamentals of proper diet, and bringing families together at the dinner table. The local fundraiser for the Goshen High Unified Arts Council will be held at The Gardens on Catlin Creek in Slate Hill on Saturday, April 2. Performing as part of the Culinary All-Stars will be rhythm-and-blues guitarist Bill Perry of Chester, Greg and Gemma Dayton from Barcelona during the Rhythm Snax Cocktail Hour, percussionist and poet Joe Diaviano, and Woodstock producer and performer Professor Louie, and Miss Marie Spinosa on vocals. Limited tickets are available for $50 per person to benefit the Goshen High Unified Arts Department. For more information or to buy tickets, visit johnnyciao.com or call 595-6115. Tickets also available through Georgette Timmerman at 344-2381.