Why no quake concert for Japan?
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It's unlikely that anyone missed the news of the massive magnitude 9.0 earthquake that struck just off the northeastern coast of Japan, but already nearly a week has gone by with the gruesome truth of the situation being broadcast on TV and pictures everywhere. But rather than stepping up the game towards aid, most of the discussion seems to focus around the possibility of the Fukushima nuclear reactors going up in smoke. All I'm asking, sensible intelligent people of Beijing, is that you forgo that discussion for the moment, and think a bit more proactively.
I doubt members of the Chinese rock scene read our paper. The last time I checked it wasn't cool to be going on stage at your local gig venue clutching a copy of the Global Times; it means you might spill your beer. But just as an aside to anyone who might be in the biz, or near the biz, why not sacrifice an evening of your time and push for a charity blow out for Japan?
Around the time of the Yushu earthquake disaster it was astonishing to see how quickly the music community came out to show their support, the Mako Livehouse crammed its stage and its halls to the rafters with the young and old, foreign and Chinese in an incredibly successful attempt to raise funds for charity. The same happened for Haiti at Yugong Yishan soon after the magnitude 7 quake there too.
It's become clear that Beijing's musicians hold a certain influence in this city which allows them to bring people together in a way no one else can for a good cause, so why not step up the game now? They alone draw the crowds of the people with money to give and the sense to give it. Online is a great way to spread the word, but in Beijing where credit cards, paypal and social networking are still plans for the future, we still need a human face and a collection box to make it work.
Notable online appeals have begun to pop up, most notably from J-rock star Gackt who will also be hosting a concert (in Japan), and even Lady Gaga has even jumped in on the act selling wristbands to make money, and she's not half as good as any Beijing musician/busker.
Full credit must be given to the local expat magazines that have already started carrying lists of where to contribute, as well as Club 13 for their concert on Friday night and the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra at the Canadian International School on Saturday/Sunday. I'll be doing my best to spread the good wishes that way, but I'll also be looking forward to seeing more of the big players in the business put aside history and get the people here moving to help the people next door.
