Londoners will have a chance to catch some live music and support a city in need this Friday.
The local music community has banded together to hold the Benefit 4 Beirut concert at London Music Hall. The special event gets underway at 8 p.m. and includes performances by rock groups Texas King and After the Lounge and country singer Genevieve Fisher.
Those involved with London's music scene were anxious to find a way to help Lebanon’s capital, which was devastated by an explosion on August 4. The blast, which destroyed the city's main port, left 177 people dead, 6,000 injured, and caused up to $15 billion in damages.
"We have a great Lebanese community in London and a lot of friends and family who support the London music community and probably the biggest proponent of supporting London music is the Manuel family. Mike Manuel owns the London Music Hall and is a Lebanese native," said Mario Circelli, chair of the Forest City London Music Awards and London Music Hall of Fame. "Mike has supported the music community for so, so long... so when this devastation occurred we knew we had to do something. We had to help out."
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 50 tickets could be sold for the benefit. However, the show is being live-streamed on the London Music Hall, Forest City London Music Awards and Hall of Fame websites, and on the Classic Rock 98.1 and Studio 73 Facebook pages.
Benefit organizers hope to raise $5,000 and have set up a GoFundMe page with all money going to the Lebanese Red Cross. Donations can also be made by texting the word '"donate" to 519-679-3733.
"The truth of the matter is Lebanon was hurting before this happened," said Circelli. "It had some economic issues and political issues, but this explosion really devastated that city. It blew apart the city's biggest port where all of their goods come in. If we can pitch in just a little bit it would go a long way."
In addition to providing financial assistance to Beirut, the benefit will give concert starved Londoners a taste of live music again.
"Texas Kings are an incredible band out of London. These guys toured last year with Big Wreck. They are a really charismatic group," said Circelli. "Genevieve Fisher, who is Canada's country sweetheart, is just a wonderful human being and a wonderful performer. And, of course, Scotty Bollert and After the Lounge. They have been working the rock and roll highway for a decade or more... for those who can see the show live they are in for a treat. For those who can watch the show from the comfort of their computer, they're in for an equal treat."
Restrictions surrounding large gatherings amid the pandemic have led to the cancellation of live performances since March. Those rules are slowly starting to loosen with venues now allowed to open their doors with a 50-person limit.