May 17 Music Fest benefits Manna House MATAWAN - Over the past decade, music fromlocal churches has supported a cause that gives homelessmothers and their children the means to turn their lives around. The First Presbyterian Church of Matawan has hosted Music Fest, a benefit for Manna House of Cliffwood Beach, for the past 12 years. This year 11 churches and one synagogue will showcase their choirs' talents. Each choir will have the opportunity to perform two pieces and all of the choirs will come together for opening and closing numbers. "Organizing the event is a yearlong process that involves volunteers from some of the longtime participating houses of worship," said 2008Music Fest Committee Chairwoman Diane Reck. "Manna House is very grateful, and its staff is so dedicated to their cause. "Manna House is making a real difference in the lives of people who otherwise would not have that advantage," Reck said. This year's performers include folk groups, children's choirs and adult choirs of all denominations. "The music that is being presented represents a wide spectrum of styles: classical, from as early as the 15th century, jazz, folk, rock, gospel, Jewish and Christian contemporary," said Fred Doscher, music director at First Presbyterian Church. "There will be a brass quartet, timpani, sax, electric and acoustic guitars, string and electric bass. Musically, this is an exciting evening in that it presents the musical and spiritual gifts of so many people coming together. And the sound is exhilarating." The May 17 event begins at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Matawan at 883 Route 34.