Philly for Chile: A Night of Live Music in Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

It's been far too long since I last posted, and now that I am back in the states and have settled into my new routine, for the most part, i owe this blog a bit of attention. I promise to post something new and delicious within the next five days. PROMISE. I've been exploring international grocery stores and restaurants in my neighborhood, and am delighted to find everything from Brazil to Nepal in my back yard. All of this culinary diversity is inspiring, and I will be back in the kitchen in no time. Until then I wanted to share something with all of you.

As you may be aware, I spent 7 weeks traveling through South America this past winter. The experience was beyond any I could have imagined, and for the most part it was smooth sailing. I spent considerable time in Chile, working on an organic farm through WWOOF, as well as visiting cities such as Valparaiso, and a tiny beach town by the name of Horcon. Chile was a truly beautiful (albeit expensive) country, and I was continually amazed and touched by the warmth and kindness of the Chilean people I crossed paths with during my travels.

Shortly after returning home, many parts of Chile were devastated by an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8. One of the highest magnitudes reported in many, many years. Chile, sadly has been the site of an astounding proportion of the earth's most devastating quakes. While the damage is incomparable to that suffered in Haiti just a few months earlier, there is considerable damage to people's homes, and infrastructure nationwide. I am relieved to learn that all of my friends in Chile are safe, but there is still much to be done to reverse the effects of the disaster in February.

I have organized the benefit concert Philly for Chile, to take place at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens on April 17th. All of funds generated by the benefit will go directly to Un Techo para Chile. Un Techo Para Chile, which translated to A Roof for Chile, is an organization which has designed and implemented housing solutions for Chileans since 1997. Today they are putting their efforts in overdrive to lessen the burden of the quake, and rebuild the homes that were lost.

The Schuylkill River Outlaws, Skinny Uglies and Bad Friends String Band will play during this event to take place from 7PM to 10PM. The Magic Garden's is a  gem of a venue, and the concert will be held in outdoors, in the mosaic garden created by artist Isaiah Zagar. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in helping out, or joining us for the evening.

Zagar's Magic Gardens on South Street