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Somerville's Haiti benefit a mixture
of laughter and reflection
The Tufts University B.E.A.T.S. percussion group performs last night at the Somerville Sings for Haiti event sponsored by the City of Somerville, Tufts University, and Somerville Kiwanis.
It wasn't a full house, but those who attended last night's “Somerville Sings for Haiti” event at the Somerville Theatre were treated to a variety of entertaining and moving performances while supporting relief efforts for earthquake victims.Crowd favorites included Tufts University a cappella group Tufts sQ! and the eclectic 17-member Second Line Social Aid Pleasure Society Brass Band, which had many audience members singing along to “I'll Fly Away,” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
Local comedian Jimmy Tingle earned laughs with his pointed political humor and commentary on current events. The former owner of Jimmy Tingle's Off-Broadway Theater said benefits are his favorite type of gig.
“I love doing benefits because they have meaning,” he said. “I've done
some hilarious benefits. I once did a benefit for a guy who was going
to jail.”
All jokes aside, Tingle said he was happy to donate his time to the event.
“I love this city, I love this theater and I love this cause,” he said.
Tingle was followed by fellow comedian Tony V. and Tufts percussion group B.E.A.T.S., which performed three numbers on household containers and could be found after the show drumming away in Davis Square.
Mixed in with musical entertainment, spoken word performances by Haitian authors from the Books of Hope program served as poignant reminders of the night's purpose.
“This island I call home, collapsed beneath me,” one author wrote. “January 12, 2010 my life became more of a struggle.”
Franklin Dalembert, Executive Director of the Haitian Coalition of Somerville, said the generosity of Americans during Haiti's time of need would not be forgotten. He asked residents to continue giving and to make sure their donations ended up in the right hands.
“It's not only about raising money but also about finding out how this money is spent,” he said. “The people in the United States have given over $1 billion, but people living in Port-au-Prince next to the national palace are sleeping on the street with no medication.”
Audience members demonstrated their generosity throughout the night by purchasing raffle tickets, bidding on items in a silent auction, and coming up to the stage to buy gift certificates to local businesses. The suggested donation for entry to the event was $30, and many said the variety of performances combined with the cause was well worth the money.
“It's been a really good balance,” said Somerville resident Emily Clough, who came to the show with friends. “It's a reality check but it's also here to entertain you.”
Steve Thomas of Somerville said he appreciated the array of Tufts student performances and praised Tingle and Tony V. for using their local celebrity status for a good cause.
“I wanted to do something to support Haiti and I thought the performers looked good,” he said of his decision to attend. “And they were.”
All jokes aside, Tingle said he was happy to donate his time to the event.
“I love this city, I love this theater and I love this cause,” he said.
Tingle was followed by fellow comedian Tony V. and Tufts percussion group B.E.A.T.S., which performed three numbers on household containers and could be found after the show drumming away in Davis Square.
Mixed in with musical entertainment, spoken word performances by Haitian authors from the Books of Hope program served as poignant reminders of the night's purpose.
“This island I call home, collapsed beneath me,” one author wrote. “January 12, 2010 my life became more of a struggle.”
Franklin Dalembert, Executive Director of the Haitian Coalition of Somerville, said the generosity of Americans during Haiti's time of need would not be forgotten. He asked residents to continue giving and to make sure their donations ended up in the right hands.
“It's not only about raising money but also about finding out how this money is spent,” he said. “The people in the United States have given over $1 billion, but people living in Port-au-Prince next to the national palace are sleeping on the street with no medication.”
Audience members demonstrated their generosity throughout the night by purchasing raffle tickets, bidding on items in a silent auction, and coming up to the stage to buy gift certificates to local businesses. The suggested donation for entry to the event was $30, and many said the variety of performances combined with the cause was well worth the money.
“It's been a really good balance,” said Somerville resident Emily Clough, who came to the show with friends. “It's a reality check but it's also here to entertain you.”
Steve Thomas of Somerville said he appreciated the array of Tufts student performances and praised Tingle and Tony V. for using their local celebrity status for a good cause.
“I wanted to do something to support Haiti and I thought the performers looked good,” he said of his decision to attend. “And they were.”
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