Local musicians come together for Ukraine benefit
An impressive and diverse group of local musicians including some from Marin will come together Sunday at the Empress Theatre in Vallejo for “Peace Train for Ukraine.”
The benefit concert will raise money for Doctors Without Borders, a nonprofit group that is helping provide much-needed medical care and supplies in the war-torn region of eastern Europe.
The event will feature more than 35 seasoned Bay Area musicians performing at the show, organized in reaction to the horrific Russian invasion of that country that began on Feb. 24.
“All these people want is just to have freedom, and apparently that's not something Putin wants to see — to have their country reduced to rubble because they wished for freedom,” says David Sikes, who will be performing with Camp Jeff. “That was really moving for me. That's what made me want to get involved.”
Sikes, who played bass with classic rockers Boston for many years in addition to his own groups, will be joined by a virtual who's who of musicians from the North Bay. Among those who have donated their time for the cause are Daniel Castro, Jeff Campitelli (Joe Satriani band), Drew Harrison (Sun Kings), Marvin McFadden (Huey Lewis and the News), Eamonn Flynn (The Commitments) and Don Bassey & Friends.
Although the idea for the benefit was first shared just a couple of weeks ago within the local community, word quickly spread and a steady stream of musicians eagerly signed up.
“It just absolutely moves my heart that no matter what is happening, musicians always stand up, volunteer their time and talent to come out and raise funds for someone less fortunate than they are,” says Susan
MacDonald, one of the organizers of the event and a Vallejo Center for the Arts board member.
“It's especially heartwarming to me that (even though) many of them were up and down without work due to COVID, themselves suffering from the inability to work and get paid, this generosity that I see from musicians over and over, I think it's just wonderful.”
The event informally gets started with a “peace march” from the Vallejo Ferry Terminal along the four blocks to the Empress Theatre, where the doors will open and 3 p.m. and the benefit will start at 4 p.m. with a brief video presentation about Ukraine before four local supergroups take to the stage.
Among the many highlights that attendees can expect will be Marvin McFadden, horn player for Huey Lewis and the News, performing the Ukrainian national anthem, KGO TV's Dan Ashley singing a Tom Petty song, and a special rendition of the beloved John Lennon classic “Imagine” from Camp Jeff.
Jim Douglas, one of the organizers behind the event, said that 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to Doctors Without Borders, and that concertgoers will also be able to donate directly via QR codes on posters that they can scan with their phones at the venue. People that can't make it to the concert can still donate through the club's website.
“Everyone's being really generous and stepping up,” says Douglas. “Everyone wants to do as much as they can to help.”