Nova Scotia Musicians Shine for Tsunami Relief

One stage isn't big enough for Nova Scotia musicians willing to donate their talent and time for tsunami relief efforts. For the next week or so, volunteers will be busy at benefit shows being held in communities throughout the province.

"Musicians from Nova Scotia and throughout the Maritimes, already well-known as generous people, are doing what they do best to help those in need in Southeast Asia," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "It is a tremendous show of generosity involving musicians, venues, corporate sponsors and donors."

For organizers of a benefit concert on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at the Metro Centre in Halifax, the response has been tremendous. Asif Illyas, a member of the musical group MIR, who is originally from Sri Lanka, began the process of putting the concert together.

"The absolute overwhelming generosity of the community continues to make me proud to live here," said Mr. Illyas. "Everyone has come together so willingly to put on this concert and to help contribute to all the efforts that are taking place to assist those in need in Asia."

To support this music industry initiative, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage is contributing $10,000 to help cover the costs associated with producing Tuesday night's concert. One of the musicians at the concert will be the Tourism, Culture and Heritage minister, a fiddle player and step dancer. He will perform with another fiddle player, Richard Wood, of Prince Edward Island.

"Even with all of the TV images since the tsunami struck, it's still hard to come to terms with the magnitude of the catastrophe in Southeast Asia," said Mr. MacDonald. "At the same time, Nova Scotians have risen to the occasion with unprecedented generosity and caring."

The Nova Scotia government has contributed $100,000 to the relief effort and continues to look at other ways to help.

cb 10:11 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005