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Voices for Haiti Benefit Feb. 25
 NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – Authors, musicians and poets will soon take the stage at the Academy of Music for a two-hour performance “Voices for Haiti” to benefit relief efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck the nation last month.
The fundraiser at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25, will feature Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder, who wrote “Mountains Beyond Mountains.” In that book, Kidder tells the story of Paul Farmer, a Harvard-trained physician who co-founded Partners in Health to provide health care and advocacy for the poor and needy in Haiti and other countries. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Partners in Health.
“Voices for Haiti represents the strength of our unified community in support for Haiti and for all humanity,” said Heather Stone, a Smith College senior who is spearheading the event. “As the Haitian motto aptly proclaims, there is true ‘strength in unity.’”
Smith Dean of the College Maureen Mahoney will introduce Kidder, who has taught at Smith. Other college participants include student poet Hanna Meghji and student a cappella groups Groove and the Noteables, who will dedicate their performance to a Smith alumna killed in the earthquake who had been a member of the group when she was a student.
Local radio personality Bill Dwight will emcee the event and introduce Haitian Jean Arnaud, who was personally affected by the earthquake, talented musicians Cliff Eberhardt, Tracy Grammer, Pamela Means, Jim Henry, Dennis Crommett of the Winterpills, Evolution Trio
and others.
Sponsored by Smith College and the Academy of Music, the event is presented by the Smith College student organization, G.A.A.P.E.: Global Action Against Poverty Everywhere, and the Smith Haiti Relief Committee. It is a collaborative effort between Smith students, faculty and administrators and the Zonta Club of the Northampton area.
Tickets to the performance are $15. Tickets to the performance and a reception afterward with Kidder at the R. Michelson Galleries, 132 Main St., are $50. They may be purchased online or at the Academy of Music Box Office Tuesday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m.
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