Musicians concerned by the heartbreak Haitians are experiencing as a result of a devastating earthquake has decided to join forces and play a benefit concert on Saturday.

Chris Greve, centre, and the band Claymore are helping organize a benefit concert this Saturday at The Willy at The Okotoks Inn to support relief efforts in Haiti. Donations at the event will be given to God's Littlest Angels Canada, an Okotoks-based charity running an orphanage in Haiti.

Okotoks resident Chris Greve, lead vocalist for the Celtic band Claymore, is organizing the event, which features seven acts at The Willy in Okotoks.

Greve said there is a good vibe happening as he gets bands on board and works out the details. The owner of The Willy pitched the idea to Greve and Claymore jumped in, and the idea is appealing to other musicians in Okotoks, the foothills and Calgary.

“It’s been spreading by word of mouth and people are committing to it right away,” said Greve. “I find that most musicians do what they can and give up their time to get involved.”

In addition to Claymore, the lineup includes Okotoks rock band Fallen Heroes, acoustic folk musician Don Wilson and country singer Tanya Ryan. Foothills blues band Blind Pig, Calgary pop band Sing City Lights and country band Mick Daniel and the Raynemen will also be performing.

Instead of a cover charge there will be an opportunity to donate money and bands are forwarding proceeds from CD and merchandise sales to God’s Littlest Angels Canada, which is an Okotoks-based organization running an orphanage in Haiti.

Thinking about what children are experiencing since the earthquake is the most heartbreaking for Greve.

“To me, the main thing is the children. They don’t understand what is going on and they’re living in constant pain and fear and wondering where the next drink of water and meal is going to come from,” said Greve. “And myself, I don’t have a feel for what that kind of fear is like.”

Greve said more musicians are likely to join the effort by the time they take the stage on Saturday. He and Claymore band mates Derrek Spencer and Jim Taylor will be the host band for the evening.

Musicians interested in getting involved can contact Chris Greve by email, cgreve@shaw.ca

The Haiti relief concert takes place at The Willy at the Okotoks Inn on Jan. 30 beginning at 6 p.m.

For more information on God’s Littlest Angels see www.glacanada.com

tneely@okotoks.greatwest.ca

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