Saturday, February 20, 2010

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Songs for Haiti By Chakara Bennett ~ Guardian Intern: Some of the biggest names in Bahamian music are coming together in a show of hope to benefit Haiti in its time of despair, with reports coming out of the country that up to 10,000 people are being buried daily, and that people are dying of injuries from the January 12 earthquake due to a lack of medical care. Performers from all over the country, from all different genres and styles are coming together to put on a special concert in aid of Haiti on Saturday, January 29 at Faith Temple School. DJ Counsellor, Sammi Star, Mr. Lynx, Rubin Hights, Mr. Beeds, V Mac, Unlimited Angel, Solo, Julien and Vanderia Woods will all take to the stage to raise much-needed assistance for the relief effort. For an outstanding concert filled with some of today's top artists, the cost to you will be a mere four canned goods. In spite of the sad turn of event that has brought these artists together all under one roof, DJ Counsellor, says the songs performed won't be that of despair, but rather hope and joy-filled. "While it is unfortunate that this event occurred, one must not wallow in it but look forward into restoring and making the future brighter," said DJ Counsellor, who the earthquake has also affected. "I remember being invited to perform in Haiti by a church two years ago and while over there I made some really good friends. While the pastor of the church is fine he has told me that none of his church members — many of whom were my friends — can be found. So I can imagine someone being really close to your heart and not being able to find them at a time like this. I want persons to come out to this event and feel with our brothers and sisters across the sea and help out in whichever way they can. I really know how this tragedy must be affecting so many people, especially those with friends and relatives in Haiti." DJ Counsellor says he will be singing for the lost. "This is not about money and getting paid. This is about helping the people in Haiti in our own way as musical artists. All of the canned goods will go to the Red Cross who is already sending so much help over there. We as a people should want to do more and this is a great way to do it while having fun," he said. According to Associated Press reports clinics have 12-day waiting lists for patients, untreated injuries are festering and makeshift camps have sprung up in parks, streets and vacant lots now house an estimated 500,000 people and many are in need of food, water and a doctor. The death toll is estimated 200,000 according to Haitian government figures relayed by the European Commission with 80,000 buried in mass graves. The commission now estimates two million homeless. Julien, another performer in the line-up, was more than happy to join the performance, and says his act will be one to remember as he's performing for a worthy cause. "Doing this is all about giving back in order to receive especially since you don't know when you will need support. It's all about the 'pay it forward' concept because The Bahamas has had great support in times of need and Haiti needs it so much right now and as a sister country we need to help them back on their feet in which ever way we can." Sammi Starr says the Haiti devastation has really touched his heart, as well as the hearts of people around the world. He says to expect a performance from him that will be on fire. "It isn't even that what was happening in Haiti wasn't bad enough but the earthquake destroying whatever little they did have was even more devastating than I can imagine. So, I have been thinking about what I can do that would help outside of sending money. So when DJ Counsellor contacted me it was a no-brainer as to what to do. I feel that most of the other performers must feel the same way too." Although it has been 11 days since the massive 7.0 earthquake destroyed the Haitian city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and the devastation the people faced may be fading in the minds of some, DJ Counsellor and the other artists scheduled for this upcoming Haiti relief concert want to keep the effort alive as people return to their everyday normal lives. The artists are all on one accord in wanting Bahamians to remember that while people the world over may be sending aid to Haiti, but that there can never be too much money, food or assistance sent to the battered country, which has been hit by at least 51 sizable aftershocks since the initial quake. HAITI RELIEF BENEFIT CONCERT When: Saturday, January 29 Where: Faith Temple School Time: 7:30 p.m. - until Entry fee: 4 canned goods Friday January 22, 2010