A very special holiday gift of giving is scheduled for December 21st by some very interesting and charitable New York musicians in a uniquely dynamic benefit performance.
A diverse assembly consisting of some of New York City’s most creative musicians has joined forces to provide humanitarian aid to victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the devastated Philippines.
The benefit concert has been scheduled for December 21st at Shapeshifter Lab, 18 Whitwell Place, Brooklyn. The show features The Pookestra with director/arranger Carolin Pook, plus the Downtown Avengers ensemble and their violinist and curator Fung Chern Hwei.
Each group will do their own set, then join forces for a concert concluding set that will include a jam with special guests. The grand finale is described as a “musical prayer”.
“I was walking in my neighborhood and a young Filipino asked for a donation,” said Fung Chern Hwei. ”I realized I had to do something, not just raise money, but raise awareness.”
“We gathered 30 incredible improvising musicians within a day and the number is still growing,” said Carolin Pook. ”It will be a joyful New York jazz Christmas celebration to raise money for the ones who really need it. Every cent will be donated.”
“There’s a certain cynicism these days, often well founded, regarding where exactly the money goes after some fundraisers,” said All About Jazz correspondent Phillip Woolever. “This benefit seems to be a very heartfelt, transparent situation and when these organizers say all admission money will be donated, I believe them.”
Indeed, this seems like a wonderful opportunity to provide crucial help to the Philippines, and give a holiday treat to the ears, eyes and spirit.
