Cincinnati Jazz responds to those in need in Haiti

On January 12th, massive devastation occurred as a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti’s capital Port Au Prince. Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost. Victims have become homeless and need medical care. Resources such as fresh water, food, and shelter have become close to non-existent. The risk of widespread disease increases with each passing day.

When a natural disaster occurs in any given place in the world (or any disaster for that matter), it’s more than just an issue for that country, it becomes a global issue – everyone on this planet is affected, and there’s a moral obligation to respond by any means, and in any capacity necessary.

In the wake of the Haiti devastation, the spirit of humanity has shined though. It continues to shine through. Doctors from the U.S. and other countries have flown there to assist in treating injured victims. More than 40 charities have collected more than a half a billion dollars in aid. Volunteers offer their time to rescue those caught under building structures, and facilitate incoming resources like food, water, clothing and more.

Natural disasters such as the earthquake in Haiti, the tsunami in India, and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans serve as resounding reminders that we, as humans, all exist on ONE LEVEL PLANE. Financial or socio-economic status means nothing when the survival of our species is in jeopardy. Many celebrities such as professional athletes, actors & actresses have leveraged their talents and means to contribute to the efforts of restoring Haiti and helping those in need.

Throughout the United States, this effort has reached the local level in many cities and towns. Cincinnati is among those cities with Jazz Saxophonist Bruce Menefield, President and Founder of Omni Works Music.

On Monday, January 15th, Omni Works Music presents “Help them to Sing Again”, a jazz jam fundraiser for the children of Haiti. This event features the best of Cincinnati Jazz, with Saxophonist Bruce Menefield, Global Jazz vocalist/percussionist Eugene Goss, Trumpeter Mike Wade, Marc Fields, and Ricardo Wilkins. This great lineup gets better, as The CCM Student Jazz Ensemble will also appear as special guests.

Come down to the Blue Wisp on Monday, February 15th. The show starts at 7:00pm, with a suggested donation of $10. The Blue Wisp is located at 318 East 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Telephone 513-241-9477.

100% of the proceeds will benefit the Haitian Children, through the Bush-Clinton Foundation.

-jh