This past Friday, The King Arts Complex's Pythian Theater played host to a massive fund-raising effort to support victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti. BLAKstar Media, R.E.A.C.H. LLC and an all-star cast of others pooled their resources to put together a benefit concert with hopes of bringing help to people that really need as much help as possible right about now. The price of admission was set at ten dollars, but many people saw fit to give even more.
Between the sponsorship logos and various photos showcasing the landscapes and rich traditions of the country, there were random facts about Haiti and it's contributions to world history. One interesting tidbit read "From 1697 to 1791, Saint-Domingue, now Haiti, was the richest colony in the world".
For a country with such a history of wealth, the irony is almost depressing.
After a brief welcome, the evening's host, Javier Sanchez took to the stage and introduced Hope For Haiti's first performer of the night, the world-acclaimed Liquid Crystal Project. As the crowd began to fill in a bit more, wordsmith Barbara Fant blessed the attendees with a few intense pieces of poetry. The lights were dimmed as L.e. made his way to the stage. He delivered a few quick songs, including a freestyle dedicated to the people of Haiti. He was followed by Speak Williams who actually had both L.e. and Barbara Fant out on stage with him during his set.
Right before the intermission, the lights were lowered and the audience was silent for thirty seconds in remembrance those who lost their lives and in support of those who were injured.
The second half of the Hope For Haiti Benefit Concert started off with two songs from vocalist Carlotta Penn, each one prefaced by a poem. Performances by crowd favorites Fly Union and Carpe Diem followed . Hope For Haiti closed out with the Caribbean sounds of the legendary and electrifying Flex Crew.
Before the crowd departed, they were reminded of the reason that had brought them all together in the first place. Emphasis was placed on the need for continuous service and to not forget the families that have been changed forever in Haiti at the hands of this devastating natural disaster.
The organizing sponsors of Hope for Haiti: BLAKstar Media, REACH LLC, Cover Me LLC, WUGR, The FlyPaper, Hipolicy Magazine, JWORK LTD, De2 Media, 3 Birds Collective, Soulo Theory Design & LudieTrends
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