Rensselaerville — Last year, the people of Vieques were struggling to survive the impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The people of Rensselaerville and the Hilltowns stepped up to help.

On Nov. 11, 2017, over 250 Hilltowners attended “Viva Vieques,” a musical celebration at Conkling Hall featuring local performers, combined with donations of food and drink from local farmers, restaurants and breweries, which raised over $16,000 in emergency funds for the island.

Today, Vieques is rebuilding and looking to the future and on Nov. 3, Vieques will extend its hand in return. Los Victones, the premier blues band from Vieques, will headline a musical celebration of thanks to its Hillltown and Capital District neighbors.

On Saturday evening, Nov. 3, between 6 and 9 p.m. at Conkling Hall in Rensselaerville, Los Victones will perform along with Nashville rhythm and blues songwriter and recording artist Tracy Nelson. Food from local food trucks and New York State beer and wine will be for sale.

Admission will be free with donations encouraged. Donations will go toward construction of an emergency solar power and potable water resiliency station on Vieques, a special project of Centro Civico, Albany. Donations will also go to the Conkling Hall Music Fund in Rensselaerville.