Audio By Carbonatix
In a beautiful collision of altruism, more musicians are donating their time and talents to help kids this week. Instead of helping the children of Denver, as the Denver Gives March Music Jam will, these musicians will benefit kids on the other side of the world. On Friday night, March 27, at the Driscoll Ballroom on the DU campus, you can catch a world-class lineup for a mere ten clams. The indomitable Ian Cooke, the captivating Joshua Novak and the powerfully charming Hello Kavita will all contribute to the Gaza Relief Concert, an event intended to raise awareness of the very human suffering endured by the people of that region, and to raise money for the Middle East Children’s Alliance, an organization that helps families and children in need.
With a mission to promote peace through awareness, the University of
Denver’s Association of Human Rights Students – an entirely student-run
organization – conceived the Gaza Relief Concert as an opportunity to
attract a diverse audience to hear multiple perspectives on the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The goal is not to promote a specific
agenda, but simply to increase awareness and stimulate both thought and
action.
In addition to some very entertaining
musical performances, the event will also include informative talks
from a variety of experts on the conflict. Featured speakers include
Gaza native and DU student Wael Dokhan (whose wife and children
currently reside in Gaza), Dr. Alan Gilbert of DU’s Josef Korbel School
of International Studies, Metro State political science professor Dr.
Robert Hazan, and Gaza refugee and documentary filmmaker Ziad Abbas.
The speakers were intentionally chosen to represent divergent thinking
and experiences related to the war-ravaged area.
The
student organizers of the Gaza Relief Concert – who planned the event,
obtained sponsors and raised funds independently from the University –
intentionally chose local musicians as the centerpiece of the event in
an effort to attract students and other folks who might not otherwise
turn out for an international affairs-oriented shindig. In addition to
playing their sets, the musicians will also be donating CDs and other
merchandise that will be given away as part of the event’s fundraising.
With these small gestures, Ian Cooke, Joshua Novak and the gentlemen of
Hello Kavita are able to use their music in an attempt to impact the
larger world.
As if fascinating speakers,
fantastic live music and giveaways weren’t enough, the Gaza Relief
Concert will also have Middle Eastern food catered by Ya Hala
Restaurant and Jerusalem Restaurant, a cash bar and an art exhibit.
Tickets can be picked up in advance on the DU campus for $10, or you
can buy them at the door for $15. Even if you’re just going to catch
the music, that’s a bargain. For more information, visit http://www.benefitgaza.com.
