Drop Beats, Not Bombs

Islamic Relief's Evening of Inspiration

A A A Comments By NADIA AFGHANI Thursday, Aug 3 2006

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Considering the mass destruction/murder/utter disregard for human rights in the Middle East that has led to the displacement of nearly a million Lebanese and Palestinian civilians, isn't it time we gave the Muslims a break? Maybe a little musical break?

Thankfully, Buena Park-based humanitarian-relief organization Islamic Relief is hosting the Evening of Inspiration concert, a benefit show that brings together Muslim entertainers from around the world to raise funds for orphans and children in need, including the victims of the recent South Asian Earthquake.

The Evening of Inspiration will include performances by funny man Mohammad Amer, Native Deen and British singer Sami Yusuf. While it is quite possible that some . . . err . . . most of the performers are relatively unknown to mainstream concert-goers, it is in my completely biased opinion—being an Islamic Relief volunteer, a Muslim with poor taste in music and an inspiring child in need—that you'll nevertheless enjoy the show and be moved to throw handfuls of money at orphans. Conflict of interest? Probably, but alas, I am Dick Cheney and the world is my Enron.

Check out the last leg of the Islamic Relief's Evening of Inspiration tour at the Long Beach Performing Art Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, (562) 436-3661 or (888) 479-4968; www.irw.org/inspiration. Sun., 6 p.m. $20-$30.

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