Musicians rally to support popular vocalist Paul Starvaski with fundraiser at Halligan’s

Paul Starvaski, a well-known veteran vocalist with several local bands, will be with a lot of true friends and bandmates making the right notes for him at a fundraiser at Halligan’s in Auburn on Sept. 21 in support of his battle with stage 4 lung cancer.

Starvaski, who lives in Worcester, is the longtime frontman for Boombox: the ’70s and ’80s Experience, and has sung with several other bands including Pet Rock, Cathy’s Clown, the New England Soul Revue, and Crazy Paulie and the Straightjackets. He is also an officer with the Massachusetts Department of Correction and won an award for his bravery. He was diagnosed with cancer and began his treatments this summer.

“Bands really do become families,” said Charlene Arsenault, keyboardist for Boombox and longtime bandmate of Starvaski in a news release about the fundraiser. “We’ve played together for decades, through different groups and different chapters. Paul is our brother, and the best way we know how to support him is to stand beside him on stage and crank out the music we all got really good at playing together,” Arsenault said.

The fundraiser is from noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 21 and will feature live music, raffles, food and plenty of community spirit. A $20 donation at the door is requested, with all proceeds directly supporting Starvaski’s care.

The live music will include performances by Boombox, Mindrift, Riff-Raff and Vivi and Da Funk. Starvaski will return to the stage with his Boombox bandmates and take part in special mini-reunions of Pet Rock and Cathy’s Clown, joined by his sister and fellow vocalist Dawn Sweet. The show will reunite the original Boombox lineup — with Starvaski alongside Arsenault, Kristina Nashold (vocals), Scott Mitti (guitar/vocals), Harlan Chaput (former bassist), Milt Atchue (former drummer), and Paul Sirard (former guitar/keys/vocals).

The event was spearheaded by Chaput, Boombox’s original bassist and fellow Pet Rock alum. “When one of us is in need, we rally,” said Chaput, whose wife, Paula, also helped organize the event. “Paul has given so much to Worcester’s music scene and to all of us personally. This benefit is about lifting him up, showing him he’s not alone. I’ve been playing with Paul now for 27 years; he is more family than a bandmate. He’s like a pesky little brother,” Chaput said.

“I’ve never heard a singer with as perfect pitch as Paul Star!” said Mitti, who also plays guitar in Riff-Raff and Vivi and Da Funk.

Starvaski has expressed gratitude for the support. With the Massachusetts Department of Correction, he received a meritorious award in 2022 for saving an inmate’s life. “Known for his courage, humor, and boundless energy, he now faces his toughest battle,” the news release said.

For those unable to attend the Sept. 21 event, donations may be made through the GoFundMe page: Support Sgt. Paul Starvaski’s Cancer Battle.

Boombox’s Paul Starvaski Cancer Benefit Fundraiser

When: Noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 21

Where: Halligan’s, 889 Southbridge St., Auburn

How much: $20 donation at the door

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Local musicians rally to support vocalist Paul Starvaski with event