Musicians invited to join global movement providing medicine for children living with HIV
Stabroek News
February 3, 2004
One World Beat, a Switzerland-based non-profit organisation whose mission is to unite socially-conscious musicians and charities for social change is inviting musicians and music venues in Guyana to be a part of a global music festival raising money for children living with AIDS.
Thousands of musicians across the world will unite, from March 19-21, via webcasting to perform in the Second Annual One World Beat Global Music Festival, which provides an opportunity for everyday citizens to get involved through volunteerism.
According to a release from One World Beat, festival organizers are looking for musicians who want to represent their country by taking part in the event.
By donating some or their entire fee from a performance, musicians on all levels can take part, while venues hosting events can donate part or all of their profits from their event to One World Beat.
Donations will go direct to Keep A Child Alive, a new initiative of Artists Against AIDS Worldwide, set up to provide life-saving medicine for children living with HIV/AIDS.
The One World Beat Music Festival is a series of concerts taking place over a three-day weekend providing a platform for socially conscious musicians to unite and convey a message of hope through their music, all to benefit charities; Music Making a Difference.
The worldwide campaign for One World Beat commenced on December 1, 2003 to coincide with World AIDS Day.
Musicians can stage their own event, or donate a portion of their proceeds from an existing event to help support One World Beat, or show their support by sending a quote for the One World Beat web site (www.oneworldbeat.org).
The release stated that the 2003 One World Beat Festival led to its first ever global volunteer effort, reaching a worldwide audience helping to raise money for charities, with the support of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and artists such as Phil Collins.
The global festival, with more than 85 events in the making, will feature events in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Burundi, Japan, Romania and United States among others.
Fresh Sounds, in association with Shepherds Bush Empire in London, which has hosted some of the biggest names in music including Elton John, Jethro Tull, Bob Dylan and Oasis, will kick off the global festival.