'Reggae 4 Japan' Raises $25,000 for the American Red Cross' Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Effort
New York, New York -- July 18, 2011 -- Last month, history was made when top artists in the Reggae music fraternity united and performed at the landmark "Reggae 4 Japan" benefit concert in Queens, New York, to support relief efforts in Japan. Organizers Mighty Crown and Irish and Chin, alongside VP Records, are proud to announce that "Reggae 4 Japan" generated $25,000 in profits, which was donated to the American Red Cross last week, specifically to their Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Effort.
"I am proud that the Reggae community came together in such a valiant way to support their brothers and sisters in Japan, who suffered greatly because of the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011," says Garfield "Chin" Bourne of Irish and Chin. " 'Reggae 4 Japan' was a success on many fronts.....but of the most significant was that of the Reggae artists, who unselfishly lent their valuable time and efforts to raise money and awareness for Japan during a time of need."
"The success of 'Reggae 4 Japan' means so much to me and the country of Japan," says Masta Simon, co-owner of Mighty Crown. "The overwhelming support of 'Reggae 4 Japan' by the artists, their management teams and Reggae music fans almost left me with a shear loss for words on the night of the event......I am ever so thankful for what Reggae music did for Japan financially and as a source of encouragement and motivation."
York College, which seats just over 1300 people, provided an elegant and intimate setting for the larger-than-life benefit concert. The near capacity auditorium further displayed the love and commitment, as a whole, that Reggae music fans and consumers have for Japan. The racially diverse audience of "Reggae 4 Japan" showed that now more than ever before -- Reggae music is a universal force with a universal message that connects all people, regardless of race, color, creed or walk of life.
VP Records' Patricia Chin was also pleased with the results of the show. She says, "I wasn't able to attend the show as I had previous engagements; however, my family attended and they were very satisfied with the outcome of the show. We want to thank everyone who got involved and poured out their hearts for this worthy cause. We sincerely give sympathy and love to the people of Japan and hope that very soon they can smile again."
Japan is one of the world's largest consumers of Reggae music. With this in mind, many artists have established reputable relationships and connections with Japan over the years. Strong ties shined through the heartfelt performances of the artists on the hefty line-up, including Freddie McGregor, Maxi Priest, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Gramps and Peetah Morgan, Duane Stephenson, Mr. Vegas and more. In total, 18 artists performed at "Reggae 4 Japan," including at least 3 surprise acts. The seamless show afforded fans with top notch entertainment from each artist involved. Surprise guests like the one and only "Grammy-kid" Shabba and Hip Hop star Nas caused the crowd to literally roar in adulation.
According to the organizers, "Reggae 4 Japan" is one of many steps they will take during the course of the year to support Japan relief efforts. With "Reggae 4 Japan" now under their belts, they are anxious to identify future fundraising opportunities.
