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Free concert to raise awareness about addiction

BARBARAELLEN KOCH FILE PHOTO | The Jamesport Meeting House will be hosting a free concert tomorrow.
BARBARAELLEN KOCH FILE PHOTO | The Jamesport Meeting House will be hosting a free concert tomorrow.

A free concert will be held on Saturday at the Jamesport Meeting House at 8 p.m. to raise awareness about drug addiction and to honor the memory of Samantha Dittmeier, a 23-year-old Mattituck woman who died of a heroin overdose in January.

“We’re going to share music, which I think is impactful and inspiring, and at the same time try and touch someone — whether it’s someone struggling with addiction or someone who knows someone struggling with addiction,” said Stefano DiBenedetto, a Mattituck music manager organizing the event.

Saturday evening’s concert will feature performances by Long Island singer and songwriter Cass Dillon and contemporary Christian pop singer Natasha Owens. Both artists are managed by Mr. DiBenedetto. who said he has worked with the likes of Billy Joel, Joan Jett and Linkin Park.

Mr. DiBenedetto, who is friends with Ms. Dittmeier’s mother, Karen Allars, described Ms. Dittmeier as someone who “lit up” whatever room she walked in to.

“The cloud of addiction had been hanging over her head and it was something she did not have control over,” he said of Ms. Dittmeier. “We want people to know that they don’t have to hide. There is help. And if addiction is dealt with early and properly, people can live normal lives and be free.”

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