Dennis Quaid and The Sharks Headline Bellaire Block Party

By Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, Staff writer | November 12, 2017

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Dennis Quaid rocks the crowd. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Bellaire native actor/singer Dennis Quaid returned to his roots this weekend for the Harvey relief concert Bellaire Block Party. He toured the neighborhood where he grew up, including Horn Elementary School and the Evergreen Pool, and then headed to Bellaire Town Square for an energy-filled concert with his band The Sharks on Saturday. On Friday, he appeared at a meet-and-greet at the home of Bellaire Mayor Andrew Friedberg to visit with some of the sponsors of the event.

After Harvey hit Houston, Quaid, who moved to Bellaire in 1958, called the City of Bellaire and told Bellaire Chief Byron Holloway he wanted to put on a fundraiser benefiting the City of Bellaire. Chief Holloway told him to talk to Cheryl Bright, Assistant Director of Bellaire Parks and Recreation. The planning started immediately. Quaid’s brother Buddy and wife Marielle, who live in Austin, were instrumental in the planning of the block party event as well. Dennis Quaid had insisted that the event would be free to residents but donations would be accepted for the Bellaire Brave.

Dennis Quaid and the Sharks headlined Bellaire Block Party, a Harvey relief fundraiser. Here they perform a cover of "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

The concert opened with “Not Fade Away” by Buddy Holly and featured covers of The Doors and other rock songs from that era.

Bellaire Mayor Andrew Friedberg presented Dennis Quaid with a Bellaire High School baseball jersey, which he wore during the performance. Mayor Friedberg said he was a fan of The Rookie and presented Quaid with a Bellaire street sign: Quaid Way. Bellaire Police Chief Byron Holloway presented Quaid with an official Bellaire police captain's cap and an Astros hat.

Mayor Andrew Friedberg presents a check to Bellaire Brave. Dennis Quaid is wearing the Bellaire jersey given to him by Bellaire Police Chief Byron Holloway. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Proceeds from donations raised will go toward the Bellaire Brave, a fund to help Bellaire staff whose families were affected by Harvey. While these courageous individuals selflessly helped Bellaire residents, they were unable to get to their own homes. Millie Hast, who serves on the board of Patrons for Bellaire Parks - and who was personally affected by Hurricane Harvey - proudly presented the $85,000 check to Mayor Friedberg on behalf of Patrons for Bellaire Parks for the Bellaire Brave. As she paid tribute to those who donated, her breath caught with emotion.

From the moment Quaid landed in Houston till he departed for the airport, he took ample time to greet fans, shake hands and take selfies. Quaid pumped up the crowd during the concert and lifted the spirits of the community throughout his time here. It was clear to the crowd that, although he’s a beloved Hollywood celebrity, Dennis Quaid truly remembers his roots.

You can still purchase Bellaire Brave t-shirts or donate to the Bellaire Brave fund here.

See below for photos of Dennis Quaid and Buzz residents at the meet-and greet and the benefit concert.

Cheryl Bright and Mayor Andrew Friedberg hold Dennis Quaid’s Bellaire street sign. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Dennis Quaid shakes hand with Lieutenant Jeff Cotton. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
(From left) Presley Gray, Isabel Lerner, Carolyn Rubenstein, Mike Gray, Chase Gray loved the show. (Dylan Aguilar)
Dennis Quaid greets fans before heading off stage. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Kelly Whitaker, who went to Pershing Middle School and Bellaire High School - just like Dennis Quaid - asked him to sign her shirt and pose for a selfie. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Classmates Linda Cook Bush, Scott Simpson and Jan Worthen, Class of 1972, hold a Bellaire High School sign. Quaid graduated with the Class of '72. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Harris County Sheriff Sunil Patel, Bellaire Police Seargent D. Hollie and Bellaire Police Officer Aaron Lysack.
Patrick Moore and Linda Sumrall with Seargent D. Hollie and Aaron Lysack.
An estimated crowd of 1,200 gathered for Bellaire's Block Party.
Doug and Naomi Freedman enjoying the beautiful weather and great music.
Stu Sperling with son Chase
Michael Hoffman and sister Anita Morton.
Cheryl Bright, Joni Hoffman and Dennis Quaid.
Dennis Quaid with Buzz editor Joni Hoffman.
Dennis Quaid and the Sharks take the stage. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Dennis Quaid taking a selfie with Cheryl Bright. Dennis called Cheryl an "angel" during the concert for all her efforts planning the event.
Dennis Quaid shakes the hands of adoring fans after putting on a great show. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Jeremy Ward with son Elliot. (Sorry, Dennis, not everyone was a fan of the loud music!) (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Michael and Joni Hoffman in front of the stage at the Bellaire Pavilion. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Mayor Andrew Friedberg with his son Sam and Bellaire Fire Chief Darryl Anderson. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Dennis Quaid rocks on. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Linden/Aspen neighbors Sadie Gill, Bella Gowda, Rohan Sharma, Arjun Sharma and Maya Dave. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Neighbors from Pocahantas St.: Andy Williamson, wife Beth Lemon, daughter Kaille with Hina Pandya and daughter Shavani. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Buster Adams, Cheryl Bright and Tom Koch at Bellaire's Block Party. ABC-13 anchor Tom Koch was the emcee of the event. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Cheryl Bright and ABC-13 anchor Tom Koch, event emcee, at Bellaire's Block Party. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Dennis Quaid talks to fans after the concert. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Bellaire Police Chief Byron Holloway presented Dennis Quaid with an official Bellaire police captain's cap and an Astros hat.
Dennis Quaid shows off his musical prowess by switching to the keyboard. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Dennis Quaid plays classic rock songs such as songs by The Doors and Buddy Holly. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Buzz editor Joni Hoffman with Ezra Charles at the meet-and-greet with Dennis Quaid at Mayor Andrew Friedberg's house party. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
(From left) Heather Mee, Sharon Veldman, Kristi Coffey, Senega Iles and Ezra Charles at the meet-and-greet with Dennis Quaid. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
The meet-and-greet planning committee (from left): Sharon Velman, Susie Nelson, Cindy Siegel, Barbara Hofmann, Lynne Skinner, Kristi Coffey and Holly Peery. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Dennis Quaid with his kids Zoe and Thomas, fraternal twins. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Brothers Buddy and Dennis Quaid arrive at Mayor Andrew Friedberg's home. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Buddy Quaid, Buzz editor Joni Hoffman, Dennis Quaid and Mayor Andrew Friedberg at the meet-and-greet at Mayor Friedberg's home. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
(From left) Linda Holloway, Jana Bedi and Deepak Bedi at the meet-and-greet with Dennis Quaid. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Jana Bedi and Deepak Bedi at the meet-and-greet with Dennis Quaid. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Bellaire City Councilman Gus Pappas and Pamela Pappas at the meet-and-greet. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Beloved former Condit Elementary teacher Diane McLaughlan and Dennis Quaid (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Dennis Quaid tells the intimate crowd at the meet-and-greet that Bellaire is the greatest community in the country to grow up in, and "Go Astros!" (From left) Buddy Quaid, Jennifer and Andrew Friedberg. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Buddy and wife Marielle Quaid at the meet-and-greet at Mayor Friedberg's home. They live in Austin but came to Houston right after Harvey to help in homes affected by the storm, tearing out drywall, and were instrumental in the planning of the relief concert. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Dennis Quaid poses for a picture with Bellaire first responders before taking the stage. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Dennis Quaid poses for a selfie with Bobby Johnson before going on stage. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Bellaire Fire Chief Darryl Anderson, Bellaire Police Chief Byron Holloway and veteran Bruce Fuller. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Dennis Quaid runs out into the crowd without missing a beat. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Dennis Quaid makes his way through the an excited crowd. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Bellaire Police Lieutenant Jeff Cotton and Kristi Coffey, president of Patrons for Bellaire Parks. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Michael Hoffman with Karen and Howard Bookstaff, all smiles after the energetic show. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Phebe Chen and Carla Buerkle were excited to pose for a selfie with Dennis Quaid.

Cheryl Bright and Mayor Andrew Friedberg hold Dennis Quaid’s Bellaire street sign. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Dennis Quaid shakes hand with Lieutenant Jeff Cotton. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

(From left) Presley Gray, Isabel Lerner, Carolyn Rubenstein, Mike Gray, Chase Gray loved the show. (Dylan Aguilar)

Dennis Quaid greets fans before heading off stage. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Kelly Whitaker, who went to Pershing Middle School and Bellaire High School - just like Dennis Quaid - asked him to sign her shirt and pose for a selfie. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Classmates Linda Cook Bush, Scott Simpson and Jan Worthen, Class of 1972, hold a Bellaire High School sign. Quaid graduated with the Class of '72. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Harris County Sheriff Sunil Patel, Bellaire Police Seargent D. Hollie and Bellaire Police Officer Aaron Lysack.

Patrick Moore, Linda Sumrall, Aaron Lysack

Patrick Moore and Linda Sumrall with Seargent D. Hollie and Aaron Lysack.

An estimated crowd of 1,200 gathered for Bellaire's Block Party.

Doug and Naomi Freedman enjoying the beautiful weather and great music.

Stu Sperling with son Chase

Michael Hoffman and sister Anita Morton.

Cheryl Bright, Joni Hoffman, Dennis Quaid

Cheryl Bright, Joni Hoffman and Dennis Quaid.

Dennis Quaid with Buzz editor Joni Hoffman.

Dennis Quaid and the Sharks take the stage. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Dennis Quaid taking a selfie with Cheryl Bright. Dennis called Cheryl an "angel" during the concert for all her efforts planning the event.

Dennis Quaid shakes the hands of adoring fans after putting on a great show. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Jeremy Ward with son Elliot. (Sorry, Dennis, not everyone was a fan of the loud music!) (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Michael and Joni Hoffman in front of the stage at the Bellaire Pavilion. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Andrew Friedberg, Sam Friedberg, Darryl Anderson

Mayor Andrew Friedberg with his son Sam and Bellaire Fire Chief Darryl Anderson. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Dennis Quaid rocks on. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Linden/Aspen neighbors Sadie Gill, Bella Gowda, Rohan Sharma, Arjun Sharma and Maya Dave. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Neighbors from Pocahantas St.: Andy Williamson, wife Beth Lemon, daughter Kaille with Hina Pandya and daughter Shavani. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Buster Adams, Cheryl Bright and Tom Koch at Bellaire's Block Party. ABC-13 anchor Tom Koch was the emcee of the event. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Cheryl Bright and ABC-13 anchor Tom Koch, event emcee, at Bellaire's Block Party. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Dennis Quaid talks to fans after the concert. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Bellaire Police Chief Byron Holloway presented Dennis Quaid with an official Bellaire police captain's cap and an Astros hat.

Dennis Quaid shows off his musical prowess by switching to the keyboard. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Dennis Quaid plays classic rock songs such as songs by The Doors and Buddy Holly. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Buzz editor Joni Hoffman with Ezra Charles at the meet-and-greet with Dennis Quaid at Mayor Andrew Friedberg's house party. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Heather Mee, Sharon Veldman, Kristi Coffey, Senega Iles, Ezra Charles

(From left) Heather Mee, Sharon Veldman, Kristi Coffey, Senega Iles and Ezra Charles at the meet-and-greet with Dennis Quaid. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

The meet-and-greet planning committee (from left): Sharon Velman, Susie Nelson, Cindy Siegel, Barbara Hofmann, Lynne Skinner, Kristi Coffey and Holly Peery. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Dennis Quaid with his kids Zoe and Thomas, fraternal twins. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Brothers Buddy and Dennis Quaid arrive at Mayor Andrew Friedberg's home. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Buddy Quaid, Joni Hoffman, Dennis Quaid, Andrew Friedberg

Buddy Quaid, Buzz editor Joni Hoffman, Dennis Quaid and Mayor Andrew Friedberg at the meet-and-greet at Mayor Friedberg's home. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

(From left) Linda Holloway, Jana Bedi and Deepak Bedi at the meet-and-greet with Dennis Quaid. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Jana Bedi and Deepak Bedi at the meet-and-greet with Dennis Quaid. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Bellaire City Councilman Gus Pappas and Pamela Pappas at the meet-and-greet. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Beloved former Condit Elementary teacher Diane McLaughlan and Dennis Quaid (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Dennis Quaid, Buddy Quaid, Jennifer Friedberg, Andrew Friedberg

Dennis Quaid tells the intimate crowd at the meet-and-greet that Bellaire is the greatest community in the country to grow up in, and "Go Astros!" (From left) Buddy Quaid, Jennifer and Andrew Friedberg. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Buddy and wife Marielle Quaid at the meet-and-greet at Mayor Friedberg's home. They live in Austin but came to Houston right after Harvey to help in homes affected by the storm, tearing out drywall, and were instrumental in the planning of the relief concert. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)