FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
MASSIVE LIVEAID STYLE CONCERT HEADLINED BY FT ISLAND ON SEPT 3 - 4
Toronto, ON: Canadians are taking it up a notch in helping Japan with a LIVEAID styled concert, headlined by FT Island, a popular Asian band that sold out a recent show in Japan in 12 minutes flat. FT Island has chosen Toronto to do their first North American debut. Sam Tsui the Internet sensation with over 240 million views on Youtube is also making his first festival debut in Toronto. More surprise headliners will be announced.
With a country known for their generosity, this is the first time Canadians are spearheading a global music initiative to help another country. The last event Hope for Haiti was headed by Americans, and LIVEAID was headed by Englishmen. Now it is Canada’s turn and the event needs all Canadians to help the 90,000 people still living in shelters in Japan and 25,000 of them are children. Jackie Wartanian and Lara Teperdjian from Dubai heard the calling and moved to live in Toronto just to help this Canadian initiative; a dedicated team has been assembled from all over the world.
Why Japan? Japan is partnered with 32 Canadian sister cities. Toronto is a sister city of Sagamihara, Japan. Furthermore, Canadians of Asian ancestry comprise the largest visible minority group in Canada, at 11% of the Canadian population, and is the fastest growing. So when the 9.0 magnitude and earthquake stuck in Japan, Canada was one of the hardest hit because of their strong ties to Asia. Also, a first, Concert for Japan will be live stream on social media FACEBOOK, iPHONE and Android, with a donation button for viewers to make a contribution.
“When a sister is hurt, we Canadians help”, says Abbey Neidik one of the Canadian organizers. Another Canadian resident board member Kie Sasaki lived in a washroom for close to 2 months after her house collapsed in Sendai. Her Aunt who had a tiny restaurant on the seaside was almost swept out to sea floating on a countertop for 2 days before being rescued.
Actor/Comedian Orny Adams, of MTV’s Teen Wolf and the comedy worlds “go to guy” says, “I'm extremely excited and honoured to be hosting Concert for Japan and helping raise money for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Come out with friends and enjoy two days of music, dance, and hopefully some laughter provided by me”.
As a “Thank you for your support”, Concert for Japan has announced that on both days of the event all attendees have the chance to enter a draw to win a $5,000 cash prize. All supporters have to do is show up on either one or both days’, party with Host Orny Adams, enter the draw and celebrate Japan.
Performers that have been added to the line-up are The SoniXx, (electro/dubstep) from Montreal, DJ P4L4DiN, and Rick J, “Whatta Night”. They will be joining Vas Vega, Atomic Tom, Evaline, traditional Japanese Drummers ,Yakudo, The Envy, Karl Wolf and Sam Tsui.
Darrin Pfeiffer (Goldfinger, Q107) will be the guest DJ on the suspended bar for the Rock Day (Sept. 4). The suspended bar will now feature two exclusive-to-the-festival cocktails, “Hard on”, and “You F*$&ing B*+#h”.
Scratch Lab, Canada’s biggest school for aspiring DJs, presents The DJ Battle. Talents have been discovered and Concert for Japan is pleased to announce that DJ Illiment, DJ Lady Supa, DJ DLux and DJ Spence Diamond. After their battle goes down, the audience gets to pick the winner.
100% of all net proceeds, through ticket, merchandise purchases and donations will go towards Ashinaga, Japan Earthquake Relief Foundation, and Global Giving.
For more information visit www.concertforjapan.org
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North American Media Contact: Paula McDines
paula@ovcment.com
416.845.8477
International Media Inquiries: Mathilde Montel
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