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Bluegrass favorite Packway Handle Band will perform at Loco's Pub tonight for "JewGrass," a Daniel Pearl World Music Days Event sponsored by UGA Hillel.

'JewGrass' to honor slain U.S. journalist

By: MANDY RODGERS

Posted: 10/11/07

Five years ago a tradition began honoring Daniel Pearl, an American journalist captured and killed in Pakistan in 2002. Pearl was also a musician, and his many musical friends started the Daniel Pearl World Music Days, where bands across the globe participate in concerts honoring Pearl and the idea of humanity all around the world.

Last year, 376 concerts were held in 36 countries as part of the series, including shows from big name acts such as R.E.M. and Elton John.

Tonight UGA Hillel is sponsoring "JewGrass," an official Daniel Pearl World Music Days concert at Loco's Pub on Harris Street.

"It's a great way for us to infuse the bluegrass event with a strictly social event and make it more meaningful," said Adam Klein, program director of UGA Hillel. "It means something to all people and certainly to the Jewish community given that Daniel Pearl was Jewish."

UGA Hillel focuses on enriching the lives of those in the Jewish community on campus with meaningful experiences, fun socials and community events, Klein said.

JEWGRASS

UGA Hillel presents JewGrass,
featuring Packway Handle Band
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Loco's on Harris Street
Cost: Free with UGA ID, $5 without
More info:
www.danielpearlmusicdays.org

Tonight's concert features Packway Handle Band, a local bluegrass favorite comprised of Andrew Heaton (fiddle), Tom Baker (banjo), Zach McCoy (bass), Michael Paynter (mandolin) and Josh Erwin (guitar). Raffles will give the audience a chance to win Handle's CD.

"It's bluegrass, acoustic fun," Klein said. "They just jam and play traditional bluegrass tunes and a lot of originals."

Anyone can register a concert for the benefit by visiting the Daniel Pearl World Music Days' Web site and filling out the information about their concert and a biography including the band's musical inspirations.

"The audience comes and looks on the site at these tremendous artists participating," said Rikk Galvan, producer of the worldwide event. "We extend the reach by inviting artists, and as artists perform they get to be more publicly known."

The Music Days began when Pearl's musician friends wanted to honor him, and it grew into an international event celebrating cultural tolerance.

"In many different places, they all just started dedicating their concerts to Danny," Galvan said. "It organically grew into an annual event."

With the event always held in October, the organization hopes to continue to grow and gain more worldwide exposure.

Each concert includes readings recognizing Pearl and his beliefs of tolerance and cultural acceptance.

"It's an initiative to bring people together to celebrate peace and harmony through music," Klein said.

Galvan echoed Klein.

"Anybody, if it supports the theme of honor for humanity, can participate," he said. "We expose their music to a greater audience and show how special these artists are to people all over the world."