Local Musicians Organize Haitian Relief, Goodwill Concert on St. John

St. John-based Inner Visions Band will be among the many performers on Saturday, February 27, at Winston Wells Ball Field. Phillip Pickering, far right, is the brainchild of the event and worked with various government departments for help in organization.

Governor John P. de Jongh Jr. is encouraging Virgin Islanders to continue to support the relief effort to Haiti at an upcoming concert performance by more than a dozen local musicians on St. John.

The Haitian Relief and Goodwill Concert, a grassroots effort organized by local musicians, will take place between noon and midnight on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the Winston Wells Ballpark on St. John.

Donations collected at the concert will support the Doctors Without Borders non profit organization in their efforts to provide medical relief to earthquake-torn Haiti.

“Our Virgin Islands musicians are contributing their talents to raising money for this worthy cause, a critically important effort that is saving lives and providing needed emergency care,” deJongh said. “In cooperation with groups and organizations throughout the territory, along with Senator Hill’s Office, my Administration continues to raise awareness on the situation in Haiti with the goal of providing both short-term and long-term assistance for the people of Haiti.”

The event is the brainchild of Phillip Pickering and Inner Visions Band, who reached out to St. John Administrator Leona Smith and Ira Wade at the Department of Public Works for coordination assistance.

The St. John Administrator’s Office offered assistance with informing the public about the concert and collecting donations. The V.I. Department of Public Works has provided a stage, chairs and other equipment.

Performing at the ball field will be Cool Sessions Brass; Ah We Band; Inner Visions; Wrecktion Band; Michael Beason; Echo People; Chris Carsel and Company; Mighty Groover; Slammin’; KoKo and the Sunshine Band; Love City  Pan Dragons; T Bird & Friends; Percy’s Sound System; Kat, T-Bird & Wanda and more performers.

Donations for Doctors Without Borders will be accepted at the gate, and food and drinks will be on sale inside.

Governor deJongh thanks the Virgin Islands community for its continued support of Haiti’s relief effort and encourages all St. Johnians to participate in this important fundraising opportunity for our Caribbean brothers and sisters in need.

For additional information contact St. John Administrator Leona Smith at 776-6484.