According to the Japanese Red Cross Society, there are still 98,000 displaced evacuees from last March’s devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown. After three months of living in makeshift camps, many of the evacuees are now facing worsening physical and mental conditions, with the pendulum of uncertainty always swinging lower. Upon hearing such astounding numbers, Japanese native-turned-Santa Cruz transplant Sayaka Yabuki realized something had to be done. “We got together with other local musicians and asked, ‘What are we going to do about this?’” The answer became Hear to Help Japan. A not-for-profit concert, Hear to Help’s purpose is to raise awareness of, and funds for, the continuing struggle that the Japanese people face on a daily basis. It will feature local musicians such as the psychedelic Noise Clinic, experimental sound artist Bill Walker and heavy metal headbangers Fiends at Feast, along with several others. All profits benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society. Along with great music, there will be dance productions, a silent auction and even a raffle. “Mobo Sushi has contributed,” says Yabuki, “along with Cruzio Internet and individual donations from community members. Plus we’ve been lucky enough to have the Catalyst help us raise the necessary proceeds.” With music, prizes and charity work all rolled into one, Hear to Help Japan will be a soulful night of sights and sounds for all.
HEAR TO HELP JAPAN is Tuesday, July 5 at 7:30pm at the Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. Tickets $10.50 adv/$12 door.
