Musicians play for Haiti benefit

Published 8:52 pm Monday, March 29, 2010

MUKILTEO — Kamiak High School sophomore Helen Dastvan loves music and wants to do something good for the world.

The daughter of a pediatrician combined those passions earlier this month to organize a concert that raised $835 for the nonprofit Doctors Without Borders organization to help out in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

“I play a lot of music,” Dastvan said. “I just wanted to do something positive with music.” Dastvan also received inspiration from her world history teacher, Shan Oglesby, who is the adviser for the school’s Human Rights Club.

“We’ve talked about Haiti and the medical shortages there, how they are lacking the most basic necessities to treat people,” she said.

Three bands of Kamiak students — Adrenalyn, The Galaxy Wizards and the Ill Patients — performed at the Rosehill Community Center in Mukilteo on March 12.

Dastvan, 16,said there was a feeling of accomplishment among the audience that night.

“When they told us the amount we raised, we all screamed and it was just crazy,” she said.

Dastvan said it was easy to get bands to play and others also volunteered, but there was not enough time. The hardest part was getting the stage and all the equipment, which a local church loaned them for the night.

The willingness to help was encouraging, she said.

The experience also was enriching as a performer, she said.

“I have played at cafes and talent shows, but nothing like that,” she said.

Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com.