On March 11, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Northeast Japan triggered a ferocious tsunami that caused massive destruction, obliterated cities, sparked major fires and killed thousands of people. The Japanese people are working hard to reassemble their lives and a very long road lies ahead of them.
In response to this atrocious global disaster, musicians Keona and Neil Hammond have put together a fundraising event designed to gather donations for ShelterBox Canada.
ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that delivers emergency shelter to people affected by disaster worldwide. The shelter comes in the form of a tent designed to house a family of up to 10. The box contains children's toys, blankets, mosquito nets, water purification equipment and more. Recently, the Bowen Island Rotary Club raised $12,000 in one week for ShelterBox Canada.
Musician and mother Keona Hammond says, "I was lying in bed two weeks ago, worrying about the world and wondering what we could do. We don't know anyone in Japan and we have never been there but the world is a small place and we are all affected by seeing so much loss and suffering."
In response to the call to help, Keona and Neil have assembled a top-rate line-up of entertainment. The musical guests begin with Lorne Warr, followed by blends of two groups Leum and Thereafter witha musical/visual/haiku installation featuringinstrumental music (harp, fiddle, cello, guitar, and flute) combined with improvisational art (Emily van Lidth de Jeude) and visual haikus. Keona says, "The idea came from seeing how the poems of Japanese poet Basho and Irish and Scottish tune names are often identical."
The evening will also feature singer-songwriter Chris Corrigan, Bob Doucet and Neil Hammond, and folk-indie sensation Winston Hauschild. The Black Sheep will also play a role. There will be a silent auction and a raffle with prizes donated by local merchants and a private donation of a sake set and three tree peonies. Wine, Japanese snacks and some Japanese inspired baking will be served.
Tickets are $20 and available at Phoenix and at the door. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on April 9 at Cates Hill Chapel. When asked what to expect of the evening, Keona replies, "A curiously arty evening with plenty of cash raised." May it be so.
Lorraine Ashdown
