UNH Holds ‘Katrina Blues’ Concert For Hurricane Relief Nov. 10
 
By Dana Prifti, Media Relations Writing Intern

“Katrina Blues,” a blues concert and cabaret night to raise donations to aid in relief of Hurricane Katrina, will be held Nov. 10 at the University of New Hampshire Memorial Union Building Entertainment Center at 7:30 p.m.

The concert pays tribute to the multicultural background and musical heritage of New Orleans, according to Claire Malarte-Feldman, professor of French who has organized the event with several professors in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, including, Mary-Beth Rhiel, associate professor of German program, Nadine Bérenguier, associate professor of French program, and Jaume Marti-Olivella, assistant professor of Spanish.

“When you think of New Orleans, you think of culture and music,” Malarte-Feldman said. “The ultimate goal of the concert is to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina by appealing to the generosity of everyone on campus.” She stressed that although Hurricane Katrina seems like it’s well in the past, for many people it is very much in their present, with hundreds of thousands of people across the U.S. Gulf Coast still displaced. Therefore, it is important that money continue to be raised money to help those affected by the hurricane.

The performers will include UNH faculty and a grad student, as well as artists from Portsmouth. Darby Tench, who teaches Italian, will perform a repertoire of songs that convey the emotions coming out of New Orleans, accompanied by pianist, Arlene Kies, lecturer in the department of music. Ray de Marco, a talented jazz pianist from Portsmouth, Kate Dulmage, a graduate student and jazz musician, and well-known Quebequoise singer Lucie Therrien also will perform.

Proceeds will benefit FoodNet, a nonprofit organization in Lafayette, Louisiana, whose mission is to provide food for the needy in the Lafayette area through volunteer efforts and donations. Started in 1987, FoodNet has taken on a special role during the Hurricane Katrina relief period by providing food for evacuees and Lafayette residents sheltering evacuees in their homes.

Tickets can be purchased at the MUB Ticket Office as well as at the door on the night of the concert for $10, $20, or $50. Other donations are welcome.