Saturday, February 27, 2010

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Rock on at Hard Rock By Chakara Bennett ~ Guardian Intern: Thank God it's Friday may be all that's on your mind, but you have another reason to thank God it's Friday today, because you get to start the weekend off just right with Nassau's own Reggae and gentle rock band, Willis and the Illest, who are scheduled to rock the night away at the Hard Rock Café's Haiti Relief concert tonight. There's going to be an "inferno of excitement" going on all night as they sing some of your favorite Bob Marley like "Redemption Song," "No Woman, No Cry" and "Buffalo Soldier" with their own twist thrown in. Willis and the Illest will have you on your feet as their flare for roots-n-culture will have you singing and dancing all night long. As an added bonus Yuli will also be making a rock-worthy appearance, serenading you with her Latin and salsa-based tunes that will leave you rock-drunk and entranced. Proceeds from the concert will go to Yele Haiti, in support of families devastated by the earthquake. Yele Haiti is a foundation established by singer, musician and Grammy-award winning singer Wyclef Jean. Yele Haiti uses music, sports and the media to reinforce projects that are making a difference in education, health, environment and community development. "When we heard what happened in Haiti — a disaster of that magnitude — it is only natural to want to do something to help says concert organizer Brynn Felix. "And right now it comes very easy as we've been in relations with Yele Haiti for a while now. Besides, these kinds of efforts are something we are familiar with as we have been helping a children's charity for years. So for us it is something you'd definitely want to do. So when we thought about how best we could help we thought of having a concert like this that would raise some good money which we will donate to Yele Haiti." The concert rocks off at 8 p.m., with a $20 charge or $15 with two canned goods for admission. "I am definitely going because it's a benefit concert" says Catherine Turnquest, 22. "It's an opportunity for outreach, and me as an individual would want to help in whichever way I can. I am really looking forward to being entertained at this concert. I know Hard Rock already has this jovial atmosphere and I feel that there will be a boosted sense of camaraderie and an overall feeling of accomplishment by persons who make the effort to come out because we're doing something. I feel like this will be really fun-loving and there will be no violence just peace." Felix says the concert is already generating quite a buzz because of what they are seeking to do and a number of local businesses have already given donations and prizes for a silent auction that will be held, with spa gift certificates, dinners for two and a three-night hotel stay at the RIU Hotel on Paradise Island on the block. Felix says the concert is going to be a phenomenal event and encourages as many people to come out and be as supportive as possible. He is excited and says the event will do a good job in giving back to those in need. "The success of this concert will be another way to show that we as Bahamians can be heartfelt and give support to other communities." Aneika Bowleg, 25, says the Willis and the Illest concert couldn't have come at a better time because it is still the time for giving. "I am definitely going to be at the Hard Rock. I haven't forgotten the tragedy in Haiti yet although some of my friends are already acting like it didn't happen or Haiti should be alright by now. I still remember and I still want to continue to give. So, to double the fun, I am treating my cousins to the event because Hard Rock has that sense of comfort and integrity and I feel that my money will really be going to help the needy people. Besides, Dashan, Lula and Alissa absolutely love Willis and the Illest. So this is like two for the price of one." So, Friday's here and you definitely know where you should be headed this evening. WILLIS AND THE ILLEST HAITI RELIEF CONCERT When: Friday, January 29 Where: Hard Rock Café Time: 8 pm Cost: $20 or $15 with 2 canned goods. Friday January 29, 2010