Unity concert raises support and awareness

by Skyler Ross
News Reporter

On May 8, the Hatian-American Club hosted a benefit concert organized by the Stamford branch of AmeriCares, which is a “disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization” according to AmeriCare’s website. Food, t-shirts, and bracelets were also sold to raise money for the relief efforts.

Darien High student Chris Black originally came up with the idea for the benefit concert. He approached Darien teacher Ms. Jessica Ginsburg with his proposal, who told her sister, English teacher Ms. Melissa Ginsburg. Since the Stamford community has a more significant Haitian-American population, they decided that Westhill would be a more appropriate venue for such a concert.

The event featured both outdoor and indoor performances. From 3 p.m. until 5 p.m., a Haitian drum group called Infinite Roots performed, in addition to Sketch, a professional rapper.

The evening indoor concert, held in the Westhill auditorium, went from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., and featured local artists from Darien and Stamford. The University of Connecticut Stamford Branch Dance Troupe performed, followed by Westhill band FROGG.

“The great part about this show was the cause,” junior FROGG member Skyler Clark said. “It was just really nice to see some people show up for it and support not only the music, but the cause as well. It was great, and everything went smoothly.”

Students from both Darien High School and Westhill performed. Westhill students junior Chris Simeone, freshman Steven St. Jacques, junior Ricardo St. Jacques, and Darien High student Sarah McGowan were just a few of the students who preformed. Portuguese guitarist Alexandro performed, in addition to the D_Cyphernauts, a rap group that includes Westhill English teachers Mr. Celcis and Mr. Wooley.

“Each act put on a great show,” Black said. “I just really wish we had a bigger turnout.” According to Westhill’s Ms. Ginsburg, the concert did raise money despite a low turnout.

Westhill’s Heart to Heart Club was also invited to participate in the event by setting up a booth.

“A member of the Haitian-American Club approached [sophomore and co-founder] Jess Thiabult about setting up a booth [at the concert],” sophomore and co-founder of the Heart to Heart Club, Allie Souza said, “We [sold] snacks, and the proceeds are going to our next project ‘Brady’s Smile.’” According to a brochure distributed at the booth, Brady’s Smile is an organization whose goal is “to promote, improve, protect, and sustain the health of children in need.” Black did not indicate that he is planning another event, but “[people in Haiti and Chile] will need help for a long time,” he said.