A centerpiece promoting the annual Spenser Spirit Music Award.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Event honors local musician, raises funds for music lessons
People perform rock music on stage at the Spenser Spirit Music Award ceremony. From left, are “Not John” Ruginski, founder of Making Music Matter for Kids, Inc. Lance Miley, Lance’s student October Heffron, and Bill Shinn.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Tracey Hogans speaks about her late son, Spenser Spirit Hogans, whom the award is in memory of, on stage. She is assisted by her husband, Rich.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
The community enjoys a dinner, raffles, and live music at the 2nd annual Spenser Spirit Music Award ceremony inside the San Cataldo Society.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
DUNMORE — The community gathered at San Cataldo Society for the 2nd annual Spenser Spirit Music Award on Sunday, Feb. 4.
They enjoyed an afternoon of live music, a pasta dinner, an open mic and raffle prizes. They attended to raise money for free music lessons. Every $1,000 raised will be going to students with families of low income, so they can receive free lessons.
This event and cause were started by Lance Miley, founder of Making Music Matter for Kids.
“It supports all children,” said Miley. “On top of it, it’s low cost.”
Last year’s event, Making Music Matter for Kids raised $1,200, which helped three children receive music lessons.
Lance and his girlfriend Robin McArdle recently moved their headquarters from their former location in Clarks Summit to Neptune, New Jersey. They were back in town for this event. It is in memory of late musician Spenser Spirit Hogans, who was a singer/songwriter and played a variety of instruments such as piano, guitar, bass and drums. He was raised in Scranton.
“He (Spenser) had a wide community of friends,” said Spenser’s father, Rich Hogans.
Spenser went to Temple University and earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising and a minor in neuroscience.
“He (Spenser) always saw what other people didn’t put together, what they see,” said Spenser’s mother, Tracey Hogans.
After Spenser’s death, Rich and Tracey met Lance at his old location called The Place Where Music Matters, which was in the second floor of Steamtown Marketplace. They told Lance about Spenser. In turn, Lance wanted to do something to honor his legacy; therefore, they put together this fundraiser. Rich and Tracey loved the idea of giving money for children to receive free music lessons. So, they decided to hold this event at San Cataldo Society since Tracey is friends with the niece of Lou, who operates events at the club.
“Spenser would’ve loved it,” said Tracey. “He would’ve been with everybody else, and he would’ve loved Making Music Matter for Kids.”
The event had much support from family and friends, who enjoyed a meal of pasta and brown sauce made by Tracey. There was also much support from local businesses, who donated raffle baskets, and restaurants who donated gift cards.
The Spenser Spirit Music Award will be back again next year.
“We decided to do a yearly event to keep the spirit alive for Spenser,” said Lance.
