Arts for the Cause, 3/4/2011

From the Philly Fun Guide website:

“On Monday, January 10, 2011 a massive fire destroyed the Windermere Court Apartments on 4800 block of Walnut Street in West Philadelphia. After 5 hours and 140 courageous firefighters, the blaze came to an end. It’s reported that 100 people were in the building during the time of the fire and one person suffered minor smoke inhalation. An estimated 90 units were affected, which means..quite a few people are now without a home. With the support of many local and surrounding area artists, and many local organizations, Lady M Productions would like to invite you to Arts for the Cause–Benefit for the victims of the 48th Street Fire. What better to bring people together than arts and music! Performances include: pianist Maura Johnston; poets J Mase III and TS Poet; Monica McIntyre visiting from New Orleans; Rosemary Fiki and her dynamic band; and Award nominated jazz vocalist, Rajdulari with violinist, Monique of TruVibe. Hosted by the lovely and always entertaining Saida Agostini, this will be an evening of joy, love and laughter. Just the ticket to get a small break from your everyday.” (links added by yours truly)

Held at The Rotunda in west Philadephia, here is the photoset of color and black and white images I captured of the lineup from that evening. I got there a little late, so I wasn’t able to catch Ms. Johnston (my apologies):

: Monique Spencer-Roberts (violin) and Aaron Roberts (keyboard). Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: J Mase III. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: J Mase III. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: TS Poet Hawkins takes the stage. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: TS Poet Hawkins. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Monica McIntyre on cello. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Monica McIntyre. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Saida Agostini. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Rosemary Fiki. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Lady M makes remarks to the audience. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: TruVibe. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Rajdulari Barnes. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Rajdulari Barnes. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Violinist Monique Spencer-Roberts of TruVibe. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Rajdulari Barnes. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Rajdulari Barnes. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Rosemary Fiki Band. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: TS Poet Hawkins performs. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: J Mase III. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Monica McIntyre. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Violinist Monique Spencer-Roberts of TruVibe. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Rajdulari Barnes. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Rajdulari Barnes. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Rosemary Fiki. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

: Rosemary Fiki Band. Taken March 4, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA at the Arts for A Cause fundraiser.

After spending some time researching all of these fabulous and accomplished artists/performers/activists, I must say that I was very humbled to have the opportunity to donate my time and effort to this cause. A special thank you goes to Steffany Bready-Edwards, Rajdulari Barnes and Lady M for the connect and for their graciousness.