Converse, Wofford plan benefit concerts for Japan Relief
Students from Converse and Wofford colleges want to send a message to those in Japan affected by the March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated portions of that country – “Stay strong, Japan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
The students are backing up their words by organizing two benefit concerts for Japan Relief 2011 – one on each of the campuses – with proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross.
The Wofford Benefit Concert will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, in Leonard Auditorium in Main Building on the campus. It will include musical performances, including dance, by students and faculty from both colleges.
The Converse Benefit Concert will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in Daniel Recital Hall in Blackman Music Building on the campus. The concert will feature performances from multiple arts disciplines, all inspired by Japanese culture, performed by students and faculty.
Both concerts are free, with donations being requested at the gate. T-shirts with the students’ message, written in Japanese – “Stay strong, Japan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you” – will be sold as well. Handmade bracelet – made with red and white beads to resemble the Japanese flag – also will be sold.
Student organizers of the events from both campuses study Japanese culture and language at Converse under Dr. Masumi Nakashima, who is assisting with the plans. Caroline Reid, a Wofford junior, is leading the plans for the Wofford concert.
Sponsors of the events include BI-LO, Classical Vocal Reprints, Dave Edwards Toyota, E.T. McLean, Dr. Gary P. Horvath, Kapasi Glass Mart, Dr. Richard C. Mathis, the Fresh Market, and the Tangled Web.
For more information, call 864.596.9021.