Aug. 22 concert will benefit Dacano Arno scholarship

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Center Theatre for the Performing Arts is pleased to announce a fundraiser for a scholarship in the memory of Dacano Arno. The Center Theatre will be donating all of the profits from ticket sales for the McAuley, Horan & O’Caoimh concert being held on Aug. 22 to the scholarship.

    Dacano Arno was a well-liked young man who, along with his twin brother Darango, gave freely of his time to others, whether it was helping neighbors, contributing to functions at Foxcroft Academy or volunteering for events at Center Theatre. Dacano passed away on June 3 as a result of a swimming accident near the Sebec Dam in Sebec Village. 
    Dacano’s family is establishing a scholarship in his memory, awarded to students seeking post-graduate education in a technical field. The Arno family is most impressed with the curriculum, particularly their approach to a hands-on teaching method, at the Tri-County Technical Center and hopes to aide the center in their scholarship efforts.
    Jody Arno, Dacano’s mother, said “We are pleased to establish this scholarship in Dacano’s memory to help other young people with similar goals to his. There currently are many wonderful scholarships established to aid college-bound students and we are very happy to provide additional opportunities for graduating seniors who prefer technical training.”
    The benefit concert will feature a performance by McAuley, Horan & O’Caoimh (pronounced O’Kweev), who play traditional Irish music with a modern edge. The concert had been scheduled earlier this summer, but the date coincided with a memorial service for Dacano. Due to the conflict, the Center Theatre decided to postpone the event. According to Center Theatre Chairman Tim Magee, “Dacano’s passing deeply affected the community and we all needed time to grieve. Both Dacano and Darango had volunteered often at Center Theatre and we felt it best to not hold the event out of our respect for the entire Arno family and our appreciation of one of our most memorable volunteers.”
    Center Theatre Executive Director Angela Bonacasa contacted McAuley, Horan & O’Caoimh to ask them if they would be part of Dacano’s benefit. Bonacasa stated, “When the band first heard of Dacano’s passing, they were quite understanding and quickly agreed to reschedule their performance for Aug. 22, the day before their performance at the Bangor Folk Festival. After asking them if they would be part of the benefit in memory of Dacano, they said they would be honored to help in any way they can.”
    On Aug. 22 the benefit will begin at 7:30 p.m. There will be a speaker to discuss both Dacano and the TCTC program and a video slideshow prepared by Dacano’s sister Aspen. In addition to ticket profits, there will be donations accepted at the event for the scholarship. After a brief intermission, the band will play at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Center Theatre, over the phone by calling 564-8943 or online at www.centertheatre.org.