The late Betty Babjak, in a photo posted on jimbabjak.com.
The Smithereens will honor the late Betty Babjak, who died in February of pancreatic cancer, at an Oct. 29 concert at the Hungarian American Citizens Club in Woodbridge. Original bassist Mike Mesaros, who stopped performing with the band about a decade ago, will make a guest appearance with guitarist Jim Babjak (Betty’s husband), singer Pat DiNizio and drummer Dennis Diken.
Jim Babjak’s side band Buzzed Meg and Dirt Box, featuring the Babjak’s son Tommy on drums, will also perform.
Dinner, beer and wine will be included with the donation of $200 per attendee. Proceeds will go to the Babjak family and The Betty Babjak Memorial Fund, which will to establish a scholarship for Rutgers students who have lost a parent to pancreatic cancer.
In a written message on jimbabjak.com, Babjak said that the venue “holds cherished memories of Betty for me, our family and friends. In the 1970s, it was here that Betty and I danced, dated and fell in love. Our history together is rooted here. When we married in 1983 our bridal party included Dennis, Mike and Pat as groomsmen. When my brother, Bill and wife Kim celebrated their wedding here in 1988, The Smithereens performed ‘Only A Memory’ for the first time on this very stage!
“Over the years, many family gatherings and celebrations brought Betty and I back to this place with our boys. It means a great deal to all of us to gather here again to honor Betty and remember her as our loving wife, mother, relative and friend.”
Tickets are available through jimbabjak.com.
