Flickr photo by ethanbee

The Groinstrong Benefit at The Bell House on Thursday night to help Jonah Eller-Isaacs defray some of his cancer-related medical costs was a smashing success.  The Brooklyn born musician/former Magnetic Field bartender and honest-to-goodness altruist is more accustomed to being on the other side of helping others. As his (and our) pal Steve Reynolds noted on the invitation to the event a few weeks ago:

Throughout his 29 years, Jonah has championed the healing power of music. Over a six-month period in 2004, he traversed Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, documenting music’s crucial role in helping Africans deal with HIV/AIDS. Once back in the States, he shared his inspiring findings through countless lectures nationwide. Jonah came to New York City in 2006 and found his niche in the Brooklyn musical community. A year later he joined the staff of Musicians on Call, a nonprofit organization which puts performers bedside at local hospitals.

Jonah thanks everyone who attended and helped out on his blog:

what an incredible night that was!

it was a dream come true – a giant party in my honor with live music and karaoke and people from every walk of my life, from high school and college and california and minnesota and new york. and i didn’t really have to do anything to organize it! i was so impressed by the turnout – honestly, with all the love last night, i wouldn’t have cared if we had raised five hundred dollars.

and from what i heard as i was leaving, it was more like FIVE THOUSAND. just crazy!