EarthTones 2012 to benefit international aid initiatives for children
By
Suniya Kukaswadia
From soulful songs to hard-rocking rhythms, the lineup is set for EarthTones, the University of Toronto’s biggest benefit concert, organized by students and staff from the Faculty of Medicine.
Hosted by Canadian Idol judge Farley Flex — a national music-industry mogul who was the founding Music Director of Toronto’s popular urban music radio station Flow 93.5 — the concert will support Canadian Feed the Children, Helping Hands International and CWEF Tanzania.
“Giving back is a responsibility we all have from the time we were born,” says Flex, director of Helping Hands International. “Music is a great way to bring awareness to important causes. EarthTones 2012 features some incredible talent and I know it’s going to be a night to remember.”
Faculty of Medicine staff and students started EarthTones in 2000. Since then, the annual event has raised more than $100,000 and supported more than a dozen charities. From comedic vocal to classical guitar, EarthTones 2012 features performances to suit every musical taste, including a medical parody of 50s rock songs by the Pro-Teens, a group of three professors from the Department of Biochemistry, and two original pieces by Orbital Groove, a Faculty of Medicine rock band.
While performers have traditionally been from the health sciences faculties, this year’s event has expanded to include acts from a variety of faculties. For example, Paul Comartin from the Faculty of Dentistry and Michaela Bekenn from the Faculty of Arts & Science will be performing original songs.
“We really wanted to stress interprofessionalism and branch out this year,” says Jessica Rabski, co-director of EarthTones and a second-year medical student. Rabski will perform an opera and piano number with her fellow co-director and medical student Christine Desjardins.
The duo first performed last year and were inspired to take on a leadership role this year. “I love the purpose behind EarthTones — it allows me to use music as a tool to help kids,” says Rabski. “Physicians need to be advocates for international health,” says Desjardins. “EarthTones lets me be a part of something bigger than being in a classroom.”
Last year’s concert raised nearly $20,000 and had nearly 500 attendees. Organizers hope to do even better this year and raise $30,000 to be split equally between the three charities.
“We have a fantastic lineup and we know this year’s event will be amazing. EarthTones has always gotten great feedback and we’re positive this year’s concert will be no exception,” says Rabski.
Event Details
Date:
December 1, 2012
Time:
7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Venue:
Convocation Hall
University of Toronto
31 King’s College Circle
Toronto, ON M5S 3G4
