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February 18, 2010

RELIEF FOR HAITI: ISLAND PEOPLE SUPPORTING ISLAND PEOPLE

Irish Americans Writers & Artists, Inc. Host Benefit to Raise Funds for Haiti
Irish & Haitian Musicians Headline Feb. 24 Event at NYC’s Connolly’s Klub 45

(New York) One island people will help another through a multi-cultural evening of music and
readings to raise money for the relief effort in Haiti. Hosted by Irish American Writers & Artists, Inc.
(IAW&A), the Wed., Feb. 24th event gets underway at 7:00 pm sharp at Klub 45, the music venue
above Connolly’s Pub on West 45th Street near New York’s Times Square.
Terry George, the Academy Award nominated director/writer of the film “Hotel Rwanda” will host
“Relief for Haiti: Island People Supporting Island People.” Scheduled musical guests include Moya
Brennan, Ashley Davis, Black 47, Jameson’s Revenge, Morning Star, Clay Ross & Matuto,
Seanchai and Unity Squad, as well as a Haitian band Brother High Kanaval and Creole jazz band
Mozajik. Readers will include National Book Award winner Colum McCann, Amy Goodman of
Democracy Now, Malachy McCourt, T.J. English, Michael Patrick MacDonald and others.
Proceeds from the event will support the Haitian relief efforts of Concern Worldwide, the
international humanitarian relief agency that was founded in Ireland 41 years ago. Concern has
worked in Haiti since 1994 and its team of 260 staffers has developed a large local infrastructure
that has put the organization at the heart of Haitian relief efforts.
“Island people are known for their fierce pride and independence,” IAW&A co-founder T.J. English
said. “And yet, when disaster strikes, island people are made vulnerable by the very thing that
makes them unique. Surrounded by water, they become dependant on the outside world for basic
supplies. Few people know this better than the Irish. The earthquake that struck Haiti last month is
on a scale equivalent to the Great Famine in Ireland.
“Directing our donations through Concern is the best way we can help our island brothers and
sisters in Haiti,” he added.
“During the period of ‘The Great Hunger,’ when the people of Ireland were in greatest need, the
world responded, and the Irish have never forgotten,” Siobhan Walsh, Executive Director of
Concern Worldwide US said. “As Seamus Heaney so eloquently put it, ‘who is our neighbor, our
neighbor is all mankind.’ This is an extraordinary example of the Irish never forgetting its history
and always reaching out to help those less fortunate in their darkest hour. It’s a great honor for
Concern to be chosen by the Irish American Writers & Artists and we thank them for making this
event possible.”
DETAILS: RELIEF FOR HAITI: ISLAND PEOPLE SUPPORTING ISLAND PEOPLE
WHEN: Wed., Feb. 24, 2010
Doors open 6:30 pm, show starts 7:00 pm sharp, scheduled until 11:00 pm
WHERE: Connolly’s Pub-3rd floor, Klub 45, 121 W. 45th St. (btwn. 6th & 7th Ave.) NY, NY
ADMISSION: $30 suggested donation, tax deductible
IAW&A is a non-profit organization dedicated to the celebration of Irish American writers, actors, musicians, filmmakers
and artists both past and present, and to the principle that by promoting and appreciating creative expression, we can
enhance the human condition. Our goal is to highlight the rich tradition of Irish Americans in all manner of artistic
endeavor in the United States, from the 19th Century to the present day.
Concern Worldwide US, Inc. is an affiliate of Concern Worldwide and supports the Concern network by recruiting staff,
supporting program development, creating public awareness of humanitarian issues and financially supporting programs.
Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental, international, humanitarian organization dedicated to the reduction of
suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries.
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