Bill Webb isn't always beastly

The Beast has a softer side.

Who knew?

Local musical talent Bill Webb recently finished a wildly successful run as the Beast in The Sault Musical Comedy Guild's production of Disney's Beauty and The Beast

But when he isn't being a beast, Webb is busy showing his music progeny the ropes around town.

Today, his band, Webb Surround, stopped by the Soup Kitchen Community Centre to donate $1,007 they raised busking at Cambrian Mall and playing local homes for the elderly.

The group (shown entertaining today at the soup kitchen) consists of Bill Webb, his daughter, Claryssa and son, Todd.

"The majority of what was raised this year was made busking at the Cambrian Mall and they were fantastic to let us do that," says Peggy Webb, mom to Claryssa and Todd.

The family band makes it a weekly activity to go to church on Sunday then go play at a senior citizen's home or Community Living Algoma house as often as they can book gigs there.

They play a variety of music including soft rock, Celtic and Christian at weddings, funerals, banquets, private parties and pretty much anywhere they can get a good child-friendly gig. "Giving at Christmas time is important," said Peggy, "But we really have to give all year long."

She said busking to raise money for charity is a good family activity and she hopes it will build character in her children while giving them plenty of opportunities to hone their considerable musical skills in front of appreciative live audiences.

While Bill Webb tries to get as many paying gigs as he can, Webb Surround also devotes plenty of time and effort to raising funds and entertaining folks who may not have an opportunity to get out often.

Last year Webb Surround raised $800 for relief of tsunami victims and Peggy says that amount was matched by a government agency to bring the total donation to $1,600.

The family hasn't chosen its charity for next year yet but has already booked busking time for the Cambrian Mall.