NORTHAMPTON — In a Valentine-karaoke-theatrical-spectacular, the Iron Horse Music Hall will host the third annual “Big Love Little Performances: A Lip-sync & Karaoke Fundraiser” in support of the mission of the Center for Human Development, or CHD’s, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County on Thursday, Feb. 13.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County works with children in the county through one-on-one mentorship opportunities that work to build futures and strengthen communities. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County is celebrating its 50th year as a mentoring agency and this event is just one of the many ways people can get involved on celebrations.
The Big Love Little Performances fundraiser is one of the ways CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County gets support and the unique night of performances is ramping up for its biggest and best version yet, jam packed with unpredictable performances and other adult fun. The event was born from the group looking to offer a fun and unique fundraiser.
“Get the babysitter if it’s one night you’re going to go out, do it this night because there will be amazing food, dessert, crazy out of the box entertainment from not only those who signed up,” said Ann Walsh, development and partnerships manager for CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County.
The evening is a 21-plus event and tickets vary from $75 for VIP admission, $55 for general admission and $25 for general admission community equity scale pricing. Everyone has the opportunity to sponsor a favorite performer or let their inner performer out for the night by registering. For tickets or to register visit getmeregistered.com/4BLLP2025.
Doors open for VIP admission at 6 p.m. followed by general admission at 6:30 p.m.
The celebrity judges listed for this year’s fundraiser are Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, Executive Director of Northampton Area Chamber Vincent Jackson, local performer and wine specialist Cristiano Gazzara, state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton) and June Millington, godmother of Women in Rock, songwriter and co-founder of Institute for the Musical Arts.
The event will be emceed by Monte Belmonte from New England Public Media, Tara Brewster, Greenfield Savings Bank vice president of business development and director of philanthropy; and Kelsey Flynn. Meanwhile, attendees can enjoy food from Hotel Northampton, Bueno Y Sano and O’Brian Tomalin, along with poetry on demand with Greg K., a valentine creating station from Beeso, fresh flowers from Rose Thief, tarot readings and Step & Repeat with Underwood Photography, along with prizes to be auctioned. The evening will be filled with other fun alongside the string of musical performances.
“We’re feeling like not only is it three times the charm, but the third time of an event you’re standing on your own two feet,” said Brewster on how the event has grown heading into its third iteration. “You get to say you sang from the Iron Horse stage which is one of the most iconic stages in all of Western Mass.”
Brewster added much appreciation for all the community partners getting involved in the fundraiser as it showcases the community’s backing of the work done by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County.
“We are so lucky to have so many people in the community that care about kids mental health and wellbeing in Hampshire County and their willingness to show up in a way to support this event of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Hampshire County, and the kids and families that really need support of mentorship,” said Brewster.
All proceeds raised support the work of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Hampshire County.
“I think the Pioneer Valley in particular is a special sort of place in the world and I think the community tends to rally around eachother, helping eachother to build each other up,” Walsh said.
Both Walsh and Brewster added that seeing the public interest grow for the anticipation of this events return and hope those who can attend and support have a very fun night at the Iron Horse.
“I think this is what people need right now. To feel a sense of community and to feel a sense of togetherness and come together and have a moment where — not forgetting about what’s going on in the world but trying to come together and highlight the good things and people and the reasons why we stay connected to each other and take care of each other,” said Brewster.
Walsh added, “Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Love Little Performances is just one wonderful way for us to show big love and for the community to show big love right back, so it’s a really nice reflection.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County is celebrating its 50th year as a mentoring agency and this event is just one of the many ways people can get involved on celebrations. In April, they are preparing to host the 15th annual Daffodil Run, another opportunity for the public to show up for a fun event in support of the groups work.
