Money for something Money for something - Mark Knopfler lit up the state at Boothbay Harbor on Wednesday, Sept. 20, for a sold-out benefit concert he and his band mates put on helping to raise $150,000 for the venue. (Photo Joe Orchulli II)

Switzerland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Yukon, Canada, British Columbia, California, Texas, Florida…one might wonder what these places have in common.

Zooming in closer to the planet, you will find striking similarities in the hearts and minds of people from all of these different walks of life, crossing all racial and language barriers.

The common rhythm, which brought many of them to Boothbay Harbor last week, was not a religious or a political movement (or a lobster bake) but the melodies pounding in the heartbeat of one man.

World-renowned British guitarist Mark Freuder Knopfler, born on August 12, 1949 in Glasgow, Scotland, vocalist and guitarist for the band Dire Straits in the late 1970s through the 1990s with hits including "Sultans of Swing" and MTV video hit "Money For Nothing," paid a visit to this tiny peninsula for a special concert on September 20.

Mark Knopfler has colaborated with the likes of Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan and Chet Atkins and he just completed a world tour with Emmylou Harris to follow up their "All the Roadrunning" CD.

Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits have sold over 118 million albums including film scores that Knopfler has done (The Princess Bride, etc.)

Mark Knopfler not only came to the Boothbay Harbor Opera House, gratis, but he also paid for his world-class band members, Richard Bennett (guitar), Guy Fletcher (keyboards) and Glen Worf (bass) for their appearance, including their travel fare and accommodations, as an amazing gesture of friendship and good-will.

Knopfler, who comes from a working class background, lives in a seaside town called Newcastle in England, "really liked this town a lot" according to Opera House board president Steve Malcom. "He really grasped what a wonderful community that the Boothbay region is and how fortunate that we are to live in such a place."

The sold-out performance was played to over 610 people who purchased their tickets within the first hour that they went on sale at prices ranging from $175 to $3,300 for two tickets sold on eBay.

Knopfler said, "It was a very warm reception, like playing in a living room. I really felt like I was singing directly to each person there."

Knoplfer, who played a different guitar for each of 14 songs during the show and two encores, introduced each number by jokingly saying to the audience, "We've never done this song before" while playing many "Knopflerado" favorites including "Donegan's Gone," "Marbletown," "Baloney Again" and many songs that he wouldn't normally play according to many of his fans who follow him from show to show.

One of those people, Phillip Zeller of Switzerland, who said that he has seen Knopfler five times at Royal Albert Hall in London, the Verona Amphitheater in Zurich, a winery in Seattle and more, said that he was invited backstage by Mark at a show in Knopfler's home town.

Dick Okada of San Francisco, California got an email about the show and wondered how he would get tickets, since one had to be in Boothbay Harbor to obtain them.

"I called Spruce Point Inn and asked them if I made a reservation, would they send someone to get me tickets, and they said yes," Okada said.

Closer to home, Jennifer Schwicker of Portland, who didn't have a ticket when she rolled into town the night of the show, said, "I just paid $500 for a concert ticket including the afterglow party.

"He's the best and I just had to do it."

Schwicker showed her support by hoisting a Maine license plate with Mark's name engraved on it.

Singer/songwriter Chapin Carpenter of East Boothbay, who was in line for the show said that someone had bought her a ticket and that it would count as a birthday and Christmas gift for the next two years.

The concert was a benefit to raise money to support the Opera House and raised $158,000 that evening.

As far as reaching the Challenge Fund goal of $500,000 by the end of this week, Steve Malcom said, "We are closing in on it and will be pretty darn close if not right there."

The pre-party in the parking lot was catered by True North Catering who donated the food and proceeds and was also attended by 98.9 WCLZ radio, which broadcasted live from the Opera House.

Knopfler and his band made an appearance at the "afterglow party" upstairs in the Opera House bar for a limited number of special ticket-holders who paid $500 each for the privilege.

Even though the band had a 24-hour delay at JFK Airport and Knopfler's luggage was lost and never recovered, the event was a total success. Knopfler was able to borrow clothes from Mark Stover.

"The community outreach is a testimony to where you live," Knopfler said commenting on all the effort put out by the volunteers, the inns, police department and members of the community.

Knopfler also called Emmylou Harris and suggested that she play a concert at the Opera House saying that it was a great place to play.

Steve Malcom commended Kate Schrock, who was unable to attend the concert, for all of her fund-raising efforts.

Challenge Coordinator Cathy Sherrill also played a big part in pulling everything together for the event.

To hear more interesting testimonies from his many fans, go to www.mark-knopfler.co.uk and click on Forum. Also see www.guyfletcher.co.uk

To make a donation to the Opera House to help them reach their Challenge Fund goal, call 633-6855.