Muncie musicians, skaters, fans and business owners will come together Sunday to support Haiti relief efforts. The Haiti Relief Show is from 1 to 10 p.m. at Solutions Ramp Park in Muncie. The show will give attendees an opportunity to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
"Think about all the times you've sat at your computer or TV and seen disasters all over the world, and just wished that there was something you could do to help," David Chastain said. "This is your chance."
Chastain is the creator of New Noise Entertainment, a co-op booking agency, and he put together the Haiti Relief Show. It was during church that Chastain thought of the idea of booking a benefit show after watching an empty Haiti donation jar being passed around.
The cost of the event is $5 and all proceeds will go directly to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Effort.
This is the first show to be put on by Solutions Ramp Park, a 20,000 square foot indoor ramp facility. The park owner, Justin Hardy, plans to host more shows in the future. Chastain hopes to fill the skate park to maximum capacity, which is 320.
"I can't believe how much it's blowing up and the response it's been getting," Chastain said. "I think it's going to be a big turn out. I'm excited."
The Haiti Relief Show will feature 13 bands including In the Face of War, Cowboy Angels, The Bonesetters, Valdez Horses, The Wolves Pursuit, Small Wonders and Pretender/Contender.
"This show stands to help a lot of people in need. Every last person who comes to this show is helping out in a huge way," Chastain said. "And it's not just Haiti you're helping. It's also a lot of amazing independent bands from the area who want to play for you. They want you to hear their music."
Some Ball State University students are anticipating the event and local bands.
"I'm excited for In the Face of War because they're a band I grew up watching, and I'm excited to get to see them again," sophomore Jenelle Bickel said. "Also, it's a great cause for only $5 so hopefully we can pack the house."
Each of the bands will be playing for free in hopes of increasing the attendance and donations.
"It's the end of the second leg of our winter tour and we're all exhausted, but we really wanted to end the tour by supporting a great cause," Derek Thompson of Cowboy Angels said. "Like everyone, we've seen the devastation that continues to plague Haiti and wanted to help and this show provides a great opportunity to get a big group of people together in support of an excellent cause while having a good time."
Local businesses have also offered their help to the cause. Select attendees will receive gift cards from Doc's Music Hall, Muncie Music Center and 111 Arts Gallery and Tattoo Studio. Muncie Music Center has offered a PA system for the show and Village Green Records has offered microphones.
The earthquake that occurred on Jan. 12 devastated Haiti, killing 230,000 people, injuring 300,000 and 700,000 homeless. Outside of the human toll, many of the cities telephone lines, transportation services, hospitals and federal buildings were destroyed.
Chastain encourages attendees to carpool, bring friends, skate, listen to music and come together to raise money for the victims of Haiti.
"Don't sit this one out," Chastain said. "It's going to be an amazing show for an even better cause."
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