MANORVILLE, N.Y., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Rock 'N Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason will add his legendary soulful energy to the Independent Group Home Living Foundation's (IGHL) 30th Anniversary Gala on Sunday, June 7th and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will be honored!

The event takes place at Flowerfield in St. James on Long Island, from 5pm-9pm and will feature a cocktail reception and buffet and Dave Mason of Traffic fame, playing a selection of songs from his legendary career.

Dave Mason's career spans over 37 years and has encompassed producing, performing and song writing. He is known as one of rock's great guitar players. He was inducted, as a founding member of the group Traffic, into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. And he recently released a new solo album, 26 Letters ~ 12 Notes, a soulful blend of Mason's rock and blues influences and features Mason's singing and guitar handiwork. The album took six years to make and was self-produced by Mason and recorded in his California home studio.

Mason, at the age of 18, teamed up with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood to form the legendary band 'Traffic.' At 19, Mason penned the song "Feelin' Alright." This song has since become a rock and roll anthem, having been recorded by well over 48 artists, the best known version being Joe Cocker. The group has had enormous influence over rock music through the years. In 1969, Dave headed for the USA to pursue a solo career. He struck gold with the album "Alone Together," which is considered a rock classic. This was followed by five albums for CBS/Sony including "Dave Mason" and "Mariposa De Oro," four of which received gold albums. "Let It Flow," which has gone well over platinum, contained the classic "We Just Disagree," a top-ten single.

IGHL, one of New York State's largest not-for-profit organizations, has more than 5,000 children, adults, and their families benefitting from a wide range of programs, services and support including state-of-the art facilities and over 75 innovative training and educational programs for children and adults with disabilities.

IGHL CEO Walter Stockton has been a fan of Dave Mason since his Traffic days. "Traffic' is one of my all time favorite bands," says Stockton. "My iPod is loaded with their songs as well as his songs. I once saw him play solo acoustic at a small place in the village many years ago, so I am looking forward to meeting him and hearing him play live again. I am thrilled he will be performing at our June 7th gala."

Stockton is also excited about honoring Governor Palin at the dinner. "She is a devoted public servant and mother who has set a fine example on the national stage for many families having children with developmental disabilities. As a mother with a Down Syndrome child, Governor Palin has become an inspirational symbol to our IGHL families who are coping with their own children's special needs."

    Contact:
    Frank Lombardi, IGHL
    631-878-8900, EXT. 102
    Email: flombardi@ighl.org

SOURCE Independent Group Home Living Program, Inc.