Local Washington, D.C. restaurants, venues and artists are wasting no time working toward aiding the victims of the recent Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. Though one might associate humanitarian aid efforts only with organizations such as UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross, more and more, the arts are making significant contributions to the direst of disasters around the world.
From benefit concerts to restaurants and venues donating a portion of their profits to causes such as Hurricane Katrina relief or Barack Obama’s election campaign, it is without a doubt that the arts have morphed into one of the most prominent and most successful means of fundraising.
Running every Wednesday through Feb. 10, the Lincoln Theatre on U Street will present “To Haiti with Love.” This special series will showcase performances orchestrated by the Young Haitian Professionals. The events will range from those featuring visual arts and poets, as well as artists of all genres.
According to The Washington Post, “the first event features African jazz singer Loide, funky keyboardist Federico Pena, West African group Farafina Kan, and hip-hop DJs Iwah and Cam Jus.” Admission to the events is a $20 donation and performances run every week from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
However, if dining out is more your forte, don’t fret: many of D.C.’s most acclaimed and exciting restaurants are donating a portion of their proceeds to the Red Cross. Through Feb. 19, restaurant owner Ashok Bajaj’s local eateries (including 701, Ardeo and Bardeo, Bibiana, the Bombay Club, the Oval Room and Rasika), will donate $1 to the Red Cross for certain entrees and appetizers, according to the Post. These aren’t just any entrees, either. Chinatown’s 701 is offering the special donation whenever a customer orders the king crab salad and grilled branzino dish. Looking for something a little fancier? Look no further than The Oval Room located downtown near the Farragut West Metro stop. The Oval Room will donate for every order of roasted baby beets and butter poached lobster.
Let’s not forget about all the D.C. music venues offering special deals and promotions to benefit Haiti. Even if you missed Wale’s special performance on Monday night at the 9:30 club, there are still plenty of opportunities to make a difference at some of your favorite spots this coming month. However, the 9:30 club’s generosity certainly set the bar high — not only did 100 percent of the $20 ticket proceeds go to Yele (Wyclef Jean’s organization) and Partners in Health, all staff members gave up their wages for the day to contribute to the cause.
There are even several ways to donate from you home through the arts. Houston-based artist Bobby Moon is donating all the proceeds from his new single, “Swagger,” to the Pan American Development Foundation, a non-profit group that aids developing countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. You can buy the single on iTunes.
U Street’s venue the Black Cat will also hold a benefit night on Saturday, Feb. 6. The event will feature Tennis System, the State Department and Nunchucks. Tickets will cost $10, and the venue will donate all proceeds.
You can reach this staff writer at ostitilis@theeagleonline.com.
