Broundation

by MICHAEL SNYDER, CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Sunday, January 1, 1995

Charity doesn't always begin at home. For the Broun Fellinis, it's been going down at the Elbo Room for the past year.

The Fellinis -- the street-jazz trio that has rocked the Mission District club since early 1993 -- formed Broundation, a nonprofit wing designed to share the band's success with the community. Every month, the Elbo Room gives up a night for a Broundation show.

``Each month, we give away $1,000 earned at one of the Elbo Room shows,'' says Fellinis manager Michael Wharton. ``Dennis Ring from the club itself always throws in a check as well.'' Since starting Broundation, the Fellinis have donated $13,000 to such causes as the Omega Boys Club, Casa De Las Madres and Little Brothers/Friends of the Elderly.

The next Broundation show will take place January 27. It will benefit Central Hospitality House, which provides a residence program, arts program and drop-in facility for troubled young people living on the street.

Wharton said the show will spotlight new songs from ``AphroKubist Improvisations Vol. 10,'' the band's upcoming album on the Moonshine label. It will be the first nationally distributed Fellinis CD and cassette, although the singles culled from the album will be released in the 12-inch vinyl format for the dance/club market.