Solidarity Rock

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:
Drew McIntosh
Solidarity Rock
780-902-9696
info@solidarityrock.com
SolidarityRock.com

SOLIDARITY ROCK BENEFIT BLOWN OFF TRACK BY STORM

Brandon, Manitoba, 12/03/2010 – Solidarity Rock is an organization which partners Canadian and Cuban rock bands, fans and creative people through benefits, gear drives and tours. Solidarity Rock organizers, on their way to Winnipeg for a benefit concert and celebration were caught in the storm which blew through Saskatchewan and Manitoba last night, spending the night in Brandon. “When we left Regina, we were told it was snowing for the first 20 KMs We drove through 6 hours of total whiteout, arriving in Brandon as they were dropping the barriers on the highway. We may be late, but we’re still coming,” says Solidarity Rock founder Drew McIntosh.

We are launching an afternoon appeal to the people of Winnipeg to join us this afternoon to help us raise equipment and promise for Cuban musicians. Since 2007, Solidarity Rock has been working with Cuban rock bands to help them establish their own creative and vibrant musical community in the centre of Cuba. With the help of many people in Edmonton, Winnipeg and beyond, we have organized and brought donations of instruments, equipment and more to overcome the material deficit that Cuban rock bands encounter, and lend our support and solidarity to individual musicians.

On March 24, Winnipeg’s KIDS ON FIRE will become the third band ever to tour Cuba. They will play 6 shows in 6 cities with local and national radio and television appearances. As a band, they organized the benefit and gear drive which took place last night at the Albert during the storm.

Solidarity Rock organizers Drew McIntosh and Mark Hayes are currently in Brandon, heading to Winnipeg to collect donations and talk about the Solidarity Rock project. An afternoon meet and greet/gear drive is tentatively set for this afternoon, March 12, at the Albert, from 2-6. We are seeking donations of used instruments, equipment or other material or monetary donations to bring the promise of friendship and solidarity to struggling Cuban rockers. “We’re changing the world by drawing direct connections between communities and people. If you’ve got unused musical equipment collecting dust in your closet, please consider donating it, so we can put it in the hands of a musician who needs it. This community to community exchange is unique and beneficial to all who participate.” says McIntosh. Please help us reach our goals and make the world a better place.

Rock n Roll was once illegal and considered anti-revolutionary in Cuba. Cuban rock musicians were targeted and their shows suppressed. Solidarity Rock began in 2007 after Edmonton’s 7and7is became the first rock band to tour Cuba. Last January, Edmonton’s SLATES played 10 shows in 7 cities across the country. Through benefit celebrations, we have managed to bring much needed musical equipment and solidarity to rock bands in Central Cuba. We have led the first two rock tours through Cuba and are about to carry out the third, fourth and fifth tours through Cuba. We are a non-political arts organization with no affiliations, positions or alignments. Drew McIntosh and members of Kids on Fire will be available this afternoon for interviews, and comment.

For additional information, Contact: Drew McIntosh (780) 902-9696 info@solidarityrock.com or Steve Hallick of Kids on Fire (204) 794-9743 steve.hallick@gmail.com
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