Voices For The Gulf: A Gulf Coast Benefit Concert- 5 Questions with Joel DaSilva

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

By Steven

Check the schedule on the flyer!

Joel DaSilva is the busiest man in Ft. Lauderdale. When he’s not playing with the Hep Cat Boo Daddies, you can find him around town performing solo or jamming with one of his talented friends. You may have recently seen him playing with artists like French harmonica player Nico Wayne Toussaint or songwriter Reina Collins from Portland, Oregon.

Joel’s passion for music is something I’ve admired for years, but I just recently learned about his humanitarian efforts. I heard it through the grapevine that he was putting a show together to benefit the wildlife affected by the BP oil spill. I contacted him to find out a little more about the Voices For The Gulf event scheduled Sunday, July 18th at Rosey Baby in Lauderhill.

Steve: What motivated you to put the Voices For The Gulf event together?

Joel: When I turned on the TV for the first time and saw what was going on, it was depressing, I knew I had to step up and do something. I was searching for a notable reputable company to give the proceeds, so I found the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). I got the info on what they were doing from CNN and Animal Planet. I contacted the NWF and connected with Diana Grosz, she was very sweet and was overjoyed with what I was doing and hoped more would do the same. Some people think that a small group of people will not make a difference but I know the opposite is true. The money we raise will go towards cleaning supplies or keep people working towards helping the affected animals. Every bit of money that the NWF receives is greatly appreciated and helps more than people may think.

S: I didn’t see your name on the schedule for the event, are you going to be performing?

J: Well, I will be there hosting it but its not about me, maybe I’ll sit in with some of the guys, but I just want to spread the awareness about the cause more than show off.

S: So what can event goers expect on Sunday?

J: Of course, the great musicians and artists that have come together to donate their time and artistic talents. Also the venue Rosey Baby, is a New Orleans style bar/ restaurant, they have some great food there and support the cause due to their connection to the Gulf. There is a $5 cover charge; hopefully people don’t mind paying that because 100% of the money at the door and the raffle goes to the NWF.

S: What will be given away in the raffle?

J: Donated items for the raffle (which will take place in between bands) will be: original pieces by Graham Wood Drout, Coma Girl, Hilda Vazquez, Underground Coffeehaus, and New Orleans artist Jeffery Holmes.

S: This sounds like it’s going to be a great event, I’m looking forward to it!

J: Hopefully people will show up, watch some great musicians play, and get inspired. Change all starts in your own backyard.

LINKS:

Natinoal Wildlife Federation website

Hep Cat Boo Daddies website

Rosey Baby website

Blue at Heart website

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