A group of local musicians are coming together Sunday, Oct. 14 to host a concert at an East Long Beach bar benefiting immigrant children who were separated from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The event is organized by MUSIC HUGS, an acronym for Musicians United in Support of Immigrant Children Held under Unlawful Government Separation, and will send proceeds to Kids in Need of Defense to help cover the fees for the children’s’ legal and social services.
KIND was founded by Angelina Jolie, who this year was announced ambassador for the Cambodia Town Film Festival, and the Microsoft Corp.
“Like so many people I know, I wanted to do something, but didn’t know what,” said Kelly Fitzgerald, one of the event organizers. “So I decided to do what I know how to do: Play music—and invite my fellow musicians to join me in raising awareness and money to oppose this cruel policy.”
Fitzgerald along with John Diggins and Michelle Mangione formed MUSIC HUGS and organized the event after they found out along with hundreds of thousands of other Americans of the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance” immigration policy and its effects.
The concert will feature a variety of multiple musical acts, including a youth choir and the opportunity for drawing prizes like hotel stays, dinners, gift baskets, boat rides, massages, Disneyland tickets and guitars. Participating businesses include Blackbird Cafe, Surrender Salon, Roe Seafood and Vintage Emporium.
The local League of Women Voters will also be on site to help register voters.
The event will be held 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Gaslamp Music+Bar+Kitchen, 6251 E. Pacific Coast Highway. Admission is a suggested $20 donation at the door.
To donate to MUSIC HUGS click here.