Local Musicians Rock for Haiti Relief
Salt Lake City, Utah, Jan. 26, 2009 – While Utah residents donated more than $500,000 to American Red Cross efforts for Haiti relief, some local musicians hope an upcoming concert will convince people to donate a little more to the relief organization.
Salt Lake Rocks for Haiti Relief hits the stage Sat., Feb. 6 from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Sandy’s Club Allure, 8925 Harrison Street and includes nine local acts including acoustic rocker Tony Oros, singer/songwriter April Meservy (joined by Jarrett Burns & Ryan Innes), and event organizers, Ravings of a Madman. The concert will feature mostly acoustic rock acts, said Jeremiah Hammon, organizer and Ravings of a Madman lead singer, with some jazz, blues and metal thrown in. Attendance is a $5 minimum donation to the Red Cross’ International, National, & Local Disaster Fund – not that folks aren’t encouraged to give more.
“The earthquake in Haiti is a tragedy,” Hammon said. “They just don’t have the support we have in America. We need to do whatever we can to help. What can groups of local musicians do? We can rock. I don’t have a lot of money, but I’m using the resources I do have to help people. Collectively, we can make a difference.”
Officials from the local Red Cross couldn’t agree more. “Right now, the most effective way to help is by donating dollars. Every little bit counts,” said Neva Baker, development director Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Baker pointed out exactly what a few dollars donation can do for the people left homeless by the devastating 7.3-magnitue quakes that hit Haiti on January 12. A blanket costs $6; a shelter is $60. For $100, a family can receive a kit with everyone from toilet paper and soap to tarp for shelter. The International Red Cross is also the lead agency for temporary medical help and transportation of those with serious injuries as well as water sanitation. The costs for those services add up, Baker said.
Salt Lake Rocks for Haiti Relief line-up Sat., Feb. 6 is Tony Oros from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Acoustic Madman from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.; The Velvetones from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Dirt Bags Don’t Die from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; April Meservy (w/Jarret Burns & Ryan Innes) from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Melisa Kelly from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Tired Life from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Jack Jones from 11 p.m. to midnight; and Ravings of a Madman from midnight to 1 a.m.
For information about the concert, contact Jeremiah Hammon at 406-209-7719 or jeremiahhammon@yahoo.com.
For more information about the American Red Cross, please call 1-800-HELP NOW or visit www.utahredcross.org.
Help people affected by disasters like the earthquake in Haiti by donating to the International Response Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O.
Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting utahredcross.org.
Age limit: 21+