What more can be said about the earthquake disaster in Haiti? No words can ever allow those of us who are not actually there to understand the tragic suffering that is a daily reality for the Haitian people. But even if we can’t fully grasp it, we can surely see the need to help our fellow human beings in any way we can.

Fortunately for us blues fans, this Sunday we have an opportunity to do our part while getting an awfully nice reward at the same time. From 6:00 – 11:00 pm at The Refectory on Sunday the 31st, a cavalcade of local blues artists will play a special show to benefit Portland-based Mercy Corps in the relief efforts they are conducting on the ground in Port-au-Prince.

Here’s a partial list of those scheduled to perform, and links to hear samples of their music in previous PDXBluescast shows:

Jim Mesi (heard on Show #7 and Show #15)
Lloyd Jones (heard on Show #1, Show #9 and Show #12)
Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes (Kevin hasn’t appeared here yet, but one o’ these days…)
Terry Robb (heard on Show #2 and Show #8)
A.C Porter & Big Noise
Jim Wallace
Lisa Mann (heard on Show #19
Suburban Slim (hear him tear it up on the first song of Show #32)
Dover Weinberg (hear some vintage Dover work on the Mick Clarke tunes in Show #10)
Rae Gordon
Stu Kinzel (heard on Show #2, Show #10 and Show #20)
Mac Potts

According to their mission statement, Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. This Sunday night, help them achieve their goals by attending this special event, enjoying the great music and donating generously.

The Refectory: 1618 NE 122nd Ave., Portland 503-255-8545.
(In case it helps, on Sundays their Happy Hour food menu is in effect all day, and Happy Hour drinks are available from 6:00 to closing time.)