Avant-gardist to rockers, musicians have answered the disaster in Japan resulting from tsunami, earthquake and nuclear reactor failures by establishing fundraiser benefits and spirit-raising video projects. New York-based saxophonist/composer John Zorn, long fascinated with Japanese culture, has quickly organized all-star, genre-crossing concerts at Miller Theater on March 27, Abrons Arts Center on April 8, and the Japan Society on April 9 — artist details, prices and times. (According to the New York Times, the benefit featuring Yoko Ono and Sonic Youth among its performers netted $34,000 for the Japan Society’s earthquake Relief Fund).
Tadd Igarashi, friend and translator to critic Dave Marsh of Rap and Rock Confidential, has put out a call for “videos of appropriate songs/tunes and messages” to be put up at an ArtistsSupportJapan channel on YouTube “so as to let the Japanese nation know that you musicians around the world are supporting them through your messages and music.” Writing from Tokyo, where he is unharmed but deeply concerned, Igarashi cites “friends Graham Thomas (a British had lived in Japan) & Morgan Fisher (ex-Mott The Hoople who lives in Tokyo for years)” as co-coordinators of the non-commercial project (“We’re not raising money but sending a strong signal to the Japan that the world is supporting them”), and asks for correspondence at tadd@jcom.home.ne.jp .
Two such videos have already been posted: Tom Hollister & Chris Buck (from Wales) “May You Never” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOhTSqvcI_Y and Paul Rodgers (from Free & Bad Company) “Seagull” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMOPrUASnoY.
If you know of further jazz-related efforts to address the catastrophe, please detail them in the comments box below.
From a press release:
On March 23rd Wynton Marsalis and his quintet will share the stage at EN Japanese Brasserie in New York City for “Love for Japan,” a fundraising effort to benefit victims of the massive earthquake and tsunami which struck northern Japan on March 11, 2011. The benefit will also feature a silent auction with donations from Martha Stewart, Gavin Brown and many more.
EN Japanese Brasserie’s menu for the evening will feature sake, beer and hors d’oeuvres inspired by the most affected regions: Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima.
100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund and the Japanese Red Cross.
Doors open at 6:00 pm
Tickets purchased in advance: $250
Tickets purchased at the door $300
To purchase tickets or to donate please call 212.647.9196
EN Japanese Brasserie, 435 Hudson Street, New York City, NY 10014 www.enjb.com