Rock out for refugees

Few things bring people together like music.

On March 12 at 6 p.m. several local bands will come together at Simi Valley's 118 West to help those in need in Haiti.

On Jan. 12 of this year, Haiti was hit by a severe earthquake and over 52 aftershocks, which left millions of people devastated and the capital of Port-au-Prince in ruins. It quickly became a worldwide issue, with millions of people helping to donate any time or money they could to relief efforts.

After witnessing all of the events and the devastation on a daily basis, Hannah Fiore, a 17-year-old student at Simi Valley Adult School, and a contributing organizer of the event, decided to do something. On March 12, two months after the first earthquake hit, seven bands from Ventura County will be performing together to help the cause.

One of the acts, Nonstop July, is led by Moorpark College's own Brandon Watts, who had no hesitation about performing.

"I love to play music, it's just what I do, and if I can do what I love and help people in the process, then it's a perfect world," said Watts.

Tickets for the event will cost $10 and you can buy them from an artist performing, or at the door, and once house charges are covered, the remaining proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to help Haiti.

Other acts performing include; Cobalt Skies, Troutwine, Aces High, Rituals, Vengeance for the Fallen, and If Only for a Day.

Even though the Haiti disaster occurred almost two months ago, Watts is hopeful people still see the urgency in helping Haiti.

"They still have devastation and problems, this is just the local youth coming together to do something that's bigger than ourselves."

For more information on the show or the venue, visit www.myspace.com/118_west