The great thing about living in hard times is that people in a community come to understand their own capacity to be generous. We also learn of the countless ways generosity takes form: by donating to others in need, giving to worthy causes, and sharing the communal sensibility that we’re all in this together and we all matter. The Hudson Valley region is home to an abundance of creative talent, giving rise to weekly opportunities to enjoy live music. And there may be no better way to give and receive simultaneously, and connect with your community, than showing up at a benefit concert.

The Trapps will perform at Marbletown Multi-Arts (MaMA) in Stone Ridge this Sunday, May 22 in a concert to benefit the ongoing work offered by that organization: classes in yoga, tai chi and other health-and-wellness-related disciplines, as well as other spiritual and creative endeavors. Nurturing body, soul and spirit, MaMA opens its doors to a variety of community events and celebrations of life. It is also home base for the Nowist Society and the Center for Creative Education.

The Trapps is made up of Sean Schenker on lead vocals and guitar, Warren Gold on lead guitar and slide guitar, Jason Sarubbi on both upright and electric bass and backing vocals and Seth Moutal on drums, percussion and backing vocals. John Burdick of the Sweet Clementines will also join the band on lead and rhythm guitar. Garnering numerous accolades and sharing stages with well-known greats, these local boys have made good. And they continue to please listeners in Ulster County and beyond, with a sound that “taps the roots of Americana, folk and rock ‘n’ roll, and wraps it all into a tightly knit package that is entirely their own.”

The group is fronted by Schenker, who also teaches martial arts to kids at MaMA and in other local venues. “I have a program called Fighting Spirit Karate for kids. One of the ways I can contribute [to MaMA] is to spearhead this event, be a part of the cause. The other instructors are all there for the right reason: They’re focused on the community; they offer good programs. This is a ‘two-birds-with-one-stone’ kind of thing to bring some awareness that may not already be there.”

MaMA is pleased to open the show with Sarah Perrotta’s new group Blue Doll, featuring Will Olsen on drums, Jesse Towey on bass and Perrotta doing her magic en voce and on various keyboards as well. In addition to a night of music, there will be prizes raffled off and delicious food coming straight out of the kitchen of MaMA’s café. Come learn more about what MaMA has to offer and support the arts in Stone Ridge! Doors open at 6 p.m. with Blue Doll performing at 6:30. The Trapps will take the stage around 7:15. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets and information are available at (845) 687-8890 or at http://cceconcerts.com or www.cometomama.org. MaMA is located at 3588 Main Street (Route 209) in Stone Ridge.