[Wadabo_updates] Gloucester is HERE FOR HAITI Feb 6th - Benefit Show for Partners in Health

Thu Feb 4 19:32:00 EST 2010

GLOUCESTER IS HERE FOR HAITI

On Saturday, February 6th, at 7pm,

the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church presents

HERE FOR HAITI: Raising Song, Spirit & Help for Haiti.

Tickets are $10, all ages.  All proceeds to Partners in Health (working in
Haiti for over 20 years)

HERE FOR HAITI will include performances by: What Time Is It, Mr. Fox?,
Sarah Rabdau, Kristen Miller, HUM, Dan King, an African drum ensemble,
dancers, and other special guests (more info below).

Hosted by Chloe Erdmann and U.U. Minister, Steve Wilson.

Location: Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, 10 Church St.,
Gloucester, MA

Contact: Brian King, 978-853-6165
hewasacloud at hotmail.com<http://us.mc311.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=hewasacloud@hotmail.com>

Mark LaPointe, Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, PR
melapointe at comcast.net

In July of 2006, Chloe Erdmann visited Port-Au-Prince and Jacmel, Haiti,
with a group of dancers led by choreographer, Jean Appolon and musician,
Juju, (both from Haiti.) The U.S. visitors were welcomed into the community
and participated in rituals, including Jean’s initiation ceremony as a Vodou
Priest, and a pilgrimage to Saut d'Eau waterfall in Ville Bonheur.   Chloe
fondly remembers the experience, “The emphasis on community sharing, helping
and healing was palpable and contagious.  And the dancing! I really don't
know how, but all ages danced during these rituals for days--and I mean that
quite literally.  It was nothing short of amazing. My friends and I would
collapse at the end of the day and be dazzled by the idea that people were
still dancing and would be up earlier than we would the following morning
and at it again.  If dancing is any measure of joy in the soul, they have it
to overflowing.”

Despite abominable conditions in health care, education, and access to clean
water, Chloe was astounded by the unshakeable spirit, pride and generosity
in which she was surrounded.

“There was an instance when I truly witnessed how desperate the situation
was concerning health care.  A rainstorm had flooded the concrete channels
on either side of the road and a motorcyclist had skidded off the side and
broken his leg.  A woman passing by had managed to get him in the back of
her station wagon and was looking for any kind of medical attention in the
area.  Two Haitian pilgrim/hitchhikers we had picked up in our truck gave
their towels to help stop the bleeding on the way to the closest medical
facility (an hour away.) Giving up towels may seem like nothing to us, but I
later found out that those were their towels for the year. This is only one
story, but it is one that haunts me when I imagine the scale of damage done
to such a beautiful country by this earthquake. If a towel can help, every
bit helps, and we need to help our neighbors much as we can!”

Chloe met Brian King first as fan of his band, What Time Is It, Mr.
Fox?  Through
her friendship with Brian, she fell in love with Gloucester, spending the
Summer of 2008 on Cape Ann, before moving to Scotland to earn her PhD in
Comparative Religion and Theology.  She happened to be back in Massachusetts
when the earthquake hit, and immediately she and Brian approached the
Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church about creating a benefit.  The
church board was eager to sponsor the event.

Regarding the benefit, Brian says, “I strongly believe that when tragedies
happen in places that are out of our reach, many feel powerless to help. Coming
together where we are, HERE, helps strengthen our energy, vision and ability
to make a difference.  It pulls us out of isolation, to join in effort and
voice.  We have the power to help right HERE by raising funds that will go
where they are needed most.”

Chloe also spoke about seeing Partners in Health in Action.  “When I saw the
hospital that Partner In Health supports, it was one of the most hopeful
sights there concerning the medical situation.  Paul Farmer knows Haiti,
Haitians, and the situation intimately. PIH comes highly recommended by the
group I visited Haiti with- both the Haitians and the Americans - and I feel
confident to donate the proceeds to their good work.”

Brian has pulled together great talent from Gloucester and Boston for HERE
FOR HAITI.  Boston singer-songwriter, pianist, Sarah Rabdau was a finalist
in WBCN Rock-n-Roll Rumble last year.  Her latest video, “Autumn Spills” is
getting rotation on BRAVO.

Brian’s own band, What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? sold out their CD release party
at the Gloucester Stage Company, and the band keeps getting bigger.  They
will be joined by the newly added back-up singers, The Furies, which bring
Fox’s original songs to new heights.

Mr. Fox will also be joined by songwriter and cellist, Kristen Miller, who
will also offer her own set of Middle Eastern infused compositions, as well
as the best cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” ever heard.

Local music staple Dan King will open the night with his rootsy sound that
is known to turn any audience into a family.  Local songwriter and artist,
Deb Hardy will perform with her vocal group, HUM.

The night will also feature an African Drum ensemble and both traditional
and contemporary dance.   A speaker from Partners in Health will explain
exactly where and how funds will be used.

“For ten dollars you’re going to experience a great night,” Brian King
promises. “And you’re going to be glad that you’re HERE FOR HAITI.”

Please, contact Brian King
hewasacloud at hotmail.com<http://us.mc311.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=hewasacloud@hotmail.com>
for
high-resolution pictures of the Saut d'Eau Waterfall taken by Chloe, Chloe
in Haiti, and images of the performers.