|
contents | jazz | |||||||||||||
| 1st Annual ICLS/IELLA Benefit Jam The Inland Counties Legal Services and the Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Association invite the public to join them in helping those in need while enjoying musical performances and stand up comedy at the 1st Annual ICLS/IELLA Benefit Jam on November 19th at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium. Joining the community and these organizations in helping this low-income population are well-known musicians, La Internacional Sonora Show and Tierra, as well as comedians Willie Barcena, Eric Blake, Honest John, and The Greg Wilson. The contagious Cumbia beats of La Internacional Sonora Show will make more than a few audience members wish there was a dance floor. Showcasing their well-known repertoire, including hits like "Escandalo", La Internacional Sonora Show will be helping raise funds for those in need. Bandleader Kiko Vargas said "We are very pleased to contribute our music and talent to this event to support the community and these organizations that are taking care of those in ways they cannot afford to do so themselves. We believe that the people of the community need to take care of each other and are happy to perform." The legendary Latin Soul group Tierra will be gracing the stage with their smooth and soulful sounds. Their blend of Rock, Pop, Jazz R& B, and Salsa has earned them the title of Best R & B Group by Billboard Magazine. With their long history of performing in Southern California and being committed to causes like these, they will make a great addition to the show bringing a feeling of "Together"-ness to the evening. The night's entertainment will not only make everyone want to dance, but have them rolling with laughter in their chairs. Joining our efforts are four extraordinary comedians that have taken their talents to comedy clubs across the nation, as well as television and radio. Starting with the humor of Willie Barcena, whose humble upbringing is a reflection of the people we are trying to help. Willie says, "I didn't know we were poor I would just walk around saying, 'Damn, my mom is stingy'." He can certainly relate and is more than willing to help those in need. What better way to do that than with what he loves most? To stand up in front of an audience and make them laugh with colorful stories about his life like he has done on The Tonight Show, Que Locos, Culture Clash, and The Morning Show on Sacramento's KSFM which is number one in that market. The host of the night's festivities, Eric Blake, will be delighting the audience with his well-known material that has earned him the title of Best of Comic View on BET for four consecutive years. He has headlined various comedy clubs across the country including: The Improv, The Comedy Store, and The Punchline. Eric is a native of Southern California and is always willing to participate in events for the community, "I am happy to be able to contribute to this noble cause. I believe that people volunteering to help those in need is the ultimate giving back and it comes straight from the heart." Honest John joins the line up with his unique brand of comedy. Political issues, current events, race, and society are some of the topics included in his material. He says, "I think the funniest stuff is the truest stuff. I can get up on stage and say things that would get me in trouble any place else." It's obvious he loves to push buttons, but is sure to make everyone listening laugh about the reality of our society and reflect on those issues we come across everyday. The audience will transition from being a mere spectator to being part of the show when The Greg Wilson takes the stage. His brand of comedy calls for audience interaction, taking them on a fun-filled ride through a series of characters, observations, and improvisations. "My style of comedy is edgy, raw, and out-of-control, " says The Greg Wilson. It is this style that has helped him sell out New York's Madison Square Garden twice, given him a stint at The Hard Rock Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, and created the top-selling show The Greg Wilson's Stand-Up Smackdown! All proceeds will be used to fund the programs these non-profits provide, which include: free legal aid clinics, held in both English and Spanish, senior out reach efforts, court assistance actions, help with family law, housing, consumer issues, free consultations, and the preparation of documents. It is with their help that low-income individuals of these counties can be assured that their rights will be met. "This event could not have come at a better time. There has never been a greater need for the community to help those less fortunate and by way of this Benefit Jam they will be able to do just that, " said Mary Ann Gonzales, the Executive Director of IELLA. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |