Music and words for real solutions

Voices Of Reason
Berbati’s Pan
Sunday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m.
503-248-4579
Just because you are on the West Coast of the United States does not mean you are immune to terrorist attacks. I think we all know that. Well, understanding the tragedy and controlling your fear and is anger is something we all could work on. Even the most enlightened, worldly, all-knowing individual could learn a little something from Sunday night’s benefit at Berbati’s Pan. Besides great local music to add to the overall experience of the night, the “meat and potatoes” or “soy and potatoes” (for those of us who are veggie) will be the guest speakers.

Dr. Kazem Tehrani of Persia House will dispel myths about Islam and will represent the largest Iranian Cultural organization in Oregon. Mohammed Hassan of Education Without Borders will be performing Somaliland music, discussing EWOB’s mission to create an international education network and talking about rebuilding the schools in war-damaged countries. Last but not least is the “Portland Peaceful Response & Education Without Borders” which includes valued members of the Northwest Green Party. This local peace and justice organization was formed in the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedy, and received national attention two weeks ago when they organized a vigil that drew thousands of people in downtown Portland.

The good folks at BSI Records are co-hosting the event and providing the best of local talent. Systemwide will be blessing us with their presence, not to mention their electronic dub and beat science. Napboule will be rocking the house with a whole, soul-fillin’, wall of Haitian reggae and world beat. DJs S-Dub and E3 are going to be breaking down the walls with African and outernational club tracks.

I guarantee that you will walk away from this event either wiser or feeling like you have experienced something amazing, hopefully both. You’ve got the best of both worlds, you can enlighten yourself and feel like you are doing something (anything) for suffering people around the world. Don’t forget about that music, mister. At an all-gender, all-religion, all-race friendly venue, “the show starts at 8 p.m. sharp, SHARP!” Said BSI Records head man Ezra Ereckson. So do as he says, or come early and have a nice meal to nourish your body, before you nourish your mind and soul. Five dollars (or more if you’re feeling generous) will go to Portland Peaceful Response & Education Without Borders or PPR&EWB, as I like to call it. I know all PSU students are open-minded, concerned people so I will see you all there.