By Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
Social networking giant MySpace will stage its second annual “Rock for Darfur” concert event on Nov. 10, to help generate awareness and raise funds for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
The one-day philanthropic concert event will feature 37 concerts spanning four continents and showcase bands that share the common goal of promoting peace in the African region, including Fall Out Boy, Bob Weir & Ratdog, Suzanne Vega, Maroon 5, Megadeth, and NOFX.
Fans can show their support by attending one of the local concerts taking place worldwide. A portion of proceeds from each concert to be donated to Oxfam America and Save Darfur Coalition, which will use the funds raised to help provide those in Chad and the Darfur region with basic supplies such as clean water, shelter, blankets, soap and disease prevention programs, and raise public awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur, and mobilize a unified response to the atrocities that threaten the lives of people throughout the region.
“Rock for Darfur is another of MySpace’s efforts to empower our community to make a positive impact on the world,” said Jeff Berman, senior vice president for Public Affairs at MySpace, in a news release. “Our users are connecting with each other around the world, online and off, to address pressing issues, both locally and globally.”
Last year’s 22 “Rock for Darfur” concerts together raised $50,000 for relief efforts.
In addition to the concerts, MySpace is working with Warner Independent Pictures and Participant Productions on an upcoming documentary feature film, called “Darfur Now”, opening in select theaters on Nov. 2. The documentary follows six individuals doing their part to bring peace to Darfur, including Academy Award nominated actor Don Cheadle.
Participant Productions is also producing a public service announcement that will be available on MySpace and broadcast at participating “Rock for Darfur” concert venues. The PSA features Cheadle, Brad Pitt, Jessica Biel, Lauren Bush, NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb and NBA stars Tracy McGrady and Steve Nash, among many others.
Rock for Darfur concerts on Nov. 10 will include (alphabetically):
“Amoeba Music: Brandi Shearer, Coby Brown, Quincy Coleman, and Meiko” – Hotel Café, Los Angeles, CA
Bob Weir & RatDog – HOB, Myrtle Beach, SC
Butterfingers – The Zoo, Brisbane, Australia
Cartel – Skate Park of Memphis, Memphis, TN
Charlie Hunter Trio – Blue Note, Milan, Italy
Clare Bowditch + The Feeding Set – Fowlers Live, Adelaide, Australia
Coheed & Cambria – SOMA, San Diego, CA
Colbie Caillat – The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC
Dardanelles – James Hotel, Launceston, Australia
Emmitt Nershi Band – Abbey Pub, Chicago, IL
Enter the Haggis – Martyr’s, Chicago, IL
Envy on the Coast – SUNY Oneonta, Syracuse, NY
Fall Out Boy – The Young Wild Things Tour w/Gym Class Heroes and Cute is What We Aim For – Harbor Yard Arena, Bridgeport, CT
Family Force 5 – Xtreme Wheels, Buffalo, NY
Gabby Glaser – The Annex, New York, NY
Hot Hot Heat Glasgow – The Venue at Oran Mor, UK
John Butler Trio – Terminal 5, New York, New York
Josh Kelley/Pat McGee Band – Exit/In, Nashville, TN
Maroon 5 – The Pearl, Las Vegas, NV
Megadeth – The Metro, Perth, Australia
Mutemath and Eisley – HOB, Dallas, TX
MySpace Music Tour featuring Hellogoodbye and Say Anything – Palladium, Dallas, TX
NOFX – Wavehouse, Durban, South Africa
Puddle of Mudd – Pop’s, Sauget, IL
Rogue Wave – The Bottletree, Birmingham, AL
Sick of it All – Agora, Cleveland, OH
State Radio – House of Blues, Chicago, IL
Streetlight Manifesto – Grand Ballroom, New York, NY
Suzanne Vega – Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room, Seattle, WA
The Academy Is…with Armor for sleep, the Rocket Summer & Sherwood -Evolution, Buffalo, NY
The Decemberists – 930 Club, Washington, D.C.
The Elevation Tour: Now On with Buff1 and Othello – Club 156, Denver, CO
The Heavy Pets – Mexicali Blues, Teaneck, NJ
The Minus 5 – The Towne Lounge, Portland, OR
Three Days Grace w/Seether – Bell County Expo Center, Belton, TX
Xavier Rudd – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, Australia
Zion I – Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA
