Southwest Musicians And Artists to Fundraise For Somalia

Michelle Porter has had a hard time forgetting when she found out about this summer's drought and famine in Somalia several weeks ago.

“My husband and I are both musicians and I decided we needed to do something,” Porter said. “We called around to area musicians to see if they would be willing to play for free and they said yes, so our band is playing with them.”

"Songs for Somalia" was born.

The benefit concert at  in Linden Hills kicks off at 7 p.m. tonight and will showcase local musicians including Lonnie Knight, Rhonda Laurie, Ben Glaros and Dandelion Wine. In lieu of tickets the concert’s organizers suggest a $15 donation from those in attendance. All proceeds will go to the American Refugee Committee (ARC), a Minneapolis-based relief agency.

United Nations officials are calling the drought and resulting famine one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history. It is estimated that 3.2 million people need immediate, lifesaving aid in Somalia, and that the country’s death toll is already in the tens of thousands. 

“There’s a critical need to respond and respond quickly,” ARC spokesperson Therese Gales said.

Porter’s decision to donate money raised during the concert to the ARC is due to both the organization’s reputation and Porter’s prior experience with the ARC. The vocalist put on a similar concert to benefit Kosovo refugees in 2002. 

“The ARC takes 90 percent of donations and puts it to immediate supplies,” said Porter. “They’re very reputable and have a strong team on the ground there (in Somalia).”

Gales said that ARC was one of the few international aid organizations that worked directly with affected people in the country, rather than acting through an intermediary. The organization's Somalia operation is based out of Mogadishu, the country's capital, and works with refugees from around the country.

“We’re one of the only international organizations on the ground,” Gales said, explaining that the ARC’s efforts in Somalia are currently aimed at getting food to starving families, building a water system capable of serving 50,000 people and supplying hospitals with beds and supplies.

In addition to music, an original painting by Southwest artist Joe Burns will be auctioned off during the show. The concert is being co-sponsored by the Sowers of Justice, a Catholic organization committed to social justice issues. D’Amico and Sons, located on 50th Street just west of France Avenue in Edina, donated meals to feed the musicians.

Residents who are unable to attend the concert but would still like to donate money may visit the ARC’s website.