Jewish artists to perform at Haiti benefit

The Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring, which supports progressive Jewish education, will partner with New York’s Stephen Wise Free Synagogue to host a second Jewish Artists for Haiti fundraising concert to benefit long-term recovery in the earthquake-ravaged Caribbean island nation.
The concert, which sold out last year, will take place on January 10, 2011 at 7 pm at the Stephen Wise Synagogue at 30 West 68th Street in Manhattan, with a minimum admission donation of $18.
Following a very successful Jewish Artists for Haiti benefit concert in January of 2010—which raised over $15,000 with 150 artists performing and an audience of 600—the 2011 concert is expected to see similar success.
Proceeds will go directly to the American Jewish World Service Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund to support on-the-ground aid work through 17 community-based organizations and strategic partners. These organizations work in areas including food distribution, medical resources, development of business and agricultural production, and long-term redevelopment planning.
“The continuing needs of Haitians affected by the 2010 earthquake are enormous. As Jews and as humans, we are committed to helping create a better world and the Jewish Artists for Haiti benefit concert is a powerful way to do that,” said Ann Toback, executive director of the Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring. “With so many talented artists and speakers contributing, it will be an inspirational event.”
This year’s master of ceremonies: Danny Schechter, the Emmy Award-winning television producer, independent filmmaker, blogger, and media critic. Mr. Schechter is noted for his investigative journalism and examination of human rights issues.
Featured artists include Y-Love, Neshama Carlebach, Greg Wall and the Ayn Sof Arkestra and Bigger Band, Frank London and Friends, Jeremiah Lockwood, Basya Schechter, Saints & Tzadiks – Susan McKeown & Lorin Sklamberg, “latter-day Woody Guthrie” Stephan Said, SIX13, and Breslov Bar Band.
Speakers will include Phyllis Teicher Goldman, Vice President for External Affairs at American Jewish World Services.