January 18, 2005

Rock For Democracy, an organization dedicated to using music to raise funds for progressive local and national political causes, and the American Refugee Committee (ARC) are joining forces to present Concert For Darfur Saturday, Feb. 5, to raise money and awareness for humanitarian relief efforts in the Sudan. Musicians and groups scheduled to perform include the Honeydogs, Romantica, Robert Skoro, the Melismatics, Missing Numbers, Dan Israel and more. Concert For Darfur will take place at the Fine Line Music Café, 318 First Avenue North in downtown Minneapolis. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. with music starting at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $12, and all proceeds will go directly towards funding ARC's emergency healthcare programs in Darfur.
   
"Concert For Darfur gives ARC a great opportunity to publicize our vital work with the thousands of people of the Sudan displaced by the brutal civil war," said Hugh Parmer, ARC's president. "And all of the money raised will fund our relief programs, ultimately saving many lives."

“We hope this concert will unite people of various political positions in the aftermath of a divisive presidential election,” said Adam Levy from Rock For Democracy. “Humanitarian relief efforts have long provided a common ground for people who might otherwise disagree on political issues. Rock For Democracy is very excited to work with the American Refugee Committee on such an important cause.”

ARC runs medical clinics, provides clean drinking water, and distributes critical supplies in several large refugee camps near Nyala, in South Darfur.

The complete lineup of artists and groups scheduled to perform at Concert For Darfur features: The Vestals, Yawo, the Honeydogs, Rass Kwame, Romantica, Robert Skoro, the Melismatics, Missing Numbers, Dan Israel, Molly Maher and SUNplugd.

Press Contact: Therese Gales at (800) 875-7060.