by Jordan Minnick
Omaha musicians are doing more work to raise money for the Japan earthquake and tsunami relief.
Recently, DJs including Betsy Wells, DJ Nater and HN's own Brent Crampton came together for a benefit show at the Sandbox. The fundraiser successfully raised $680 for the Red Dot Relief initiative, a call to action from the dance music community and beyond in support of the Japan relief.
Omaha's Make Believe Studio puts on a similiar benefit 9 p.m. tonight at the Waiting Room to raise funds for the Bikou-En Orphanage in the Aomori Prefect in Japan.
"The orphanage houses 65 children and relies on private donation, since they receive no government support," Make Believe co-owner Jeremy Deaton says. "In the wake of the earthquake/tsunami, their donations have dropped nearly 60 percent."
Live acts include Lightning Bug, Flesh Eating Skin Disease and DJs Kethro and Dojorok (all of whom performed at the last Japan benefit) as well as Ketchup and Mustard Gas and Conchance. Entry is $6 and comes with a free digital download of a 13-track compilation of local artists assembled by Make Believe for the occasion. Deaton says the compilation will soon be available online for $5.
"You Remind Me Of My Sister, I Don't Have A Sister" by Lightning Bug from Ingrained on Vimeo.