New York— Perhaps you can say getting the message to the masses by one of the oldest forms of communication is an every day occurrence. Not only is music going to be the conduit to bring awareness to the plight of Aung San Suu Kyi, (pronounced Aung San Sue Chee ) but the message is being relayed with the expertise of many different professional musicians, scratching, drumming, guitar and bass playing as well as singing. And on this coming December 14th, at the historic Blue Note in Manhattan, more than a dozen musicians with the help of S.W.I.S.S. (Saving With Instruments Samples and Soundz) and the Freedom Campaign will be doing just that for a cause that needs a voice.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is one of the world's most renowned freedom fighters and advocates of nonviolence, having served as the figurehead for Burma's struggle for democracy since 1988. Joining the newly-forming National League for Democracy political party, Suu Kyi gave numerous speeches calling for freedom and democracy. The military regime responded to the uprising with brute force, shooting and otherwise killing up to 10,000 demonstrators.
Since 1989, Aung San Suu Kyi has been in and out of jail for her courageous battle for freedom and democracy. She has won numerous international awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, Sakharov Prize from the European Parliament, United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Jawaharlal Nehru Award from India. She has called on people around the world to join the struggle for freedom in Burma, saying "Please use your liberty to promote ours."
This December 14th, at the Blue Note in Manhattan, five time Grammy winner, Swiss Chris, John Legends Music Director and Drummer will be assembling his “DreamTeam1”
The DreamTeam1 will be Bonga Gaston Jean- Babtiste (master drummer from Haiti) Stanley Banks (bass for George Benson), Josh Valleau (keyboard), Ladell Mc Lin (guitar) Sun Singelton (vox), Alex Adhami (cello/ santur/ vox) Sataka Karama (Poet) Bemshi (vox). Also joining them will be award winning and Emmy nominated DJ Johnny Juice who has worked with Chuck D and Public Enemy on numerous projects, Ketsana, a young lady from Laos and a popular singer/songwriter who has charted in Asia, as well as other special guest musicians will be filling the stage for this special show that evening. The benefit is being produced by the S.W.I.S.S. organization (Saving With Instruments Samples and Soundz) and in cooperation with The Freedom Campaign.
Admission will be a $10.00 donation at the door, and though not necessary, a donation of any instrument that will help with the S.W.I.S.S. organizations mission would be well appreciated.
WHEN:
December 14th, 2007 right before midnight
WHERE:
Blue Note, 131 W. 3rd St
New York, NY 10012
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S.W.I.S.S. Mission:
- Recognition of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Motivational education through music and sound
- Resolve conflicts through peaceful means with use of musical instruments
- Multiple collaborations with various artists in various fields of music for multimedia
performances
- Educational workshops for beginner to advanced drum students in the history of
African, African- American and cultures of African decent based music
Director and Founder: Swiss Chris
http://www.myspace.com/
http://www.thefreedomcampaign.org
