Solidarity Concert seeks to raise funds and spirits

9 February 2012
Jerusalem

Anticipation builds as the concert of internationally renowned guitarist John McLaughlin and legendary tabla player Zakir Hussain draws near. The innovative duo fuse jazz with Eastern influences to create a sound that has received worldwide recognition, and Ramallah welcomes them on 14 February 2012 for their only scheduled date in the Middle East.

The Solidarity Concert will see the full Remember Shakti band raising funds for Al Mada Association for Arts-Based Community Development, a worthy cause that has long been close to McLaughlin’s heart. The donations received will be vital in covering the range of child protection and psychosocial programmes that Al Mada and UNRWA jointly implement.

Al Mada operates the only music therapy centre in the occupied Palestinian territory and looks to music and the arts to advance social justice as well as a vital tool for self expression, education and inclusion for the local community. The power of music is universal, believes Al Mada, and unique in its ability to eliminate barriers.

John McLaughlin praises the centre for “the wonderful work they are doing in helping victims of conflict.”

How you can help

Advance tickets sold out fast, yet a limited number remain for those wishing to donate generously to Al Mada Association for Arts-Based Community Development in partnership with UNRWA. For further information, please send your name and contact details to wbpio@unrwa.org

If you wish to contribute further to the hard work of Al Mada, or are unable to attend but wish to show your support, a dedicated bank account has been set up for this purpose.

Thank you for your generosity, and for all those with tickets already, enjoy what looks likely to be a unique night of outstanding music and exceptional company.