MIDDLEBURY, Vt.-Middlebury College senior and Jamaican entertainer Cherine Anderson has organized a benefit concert to assist the victims of Hurricane Ivan in her native country.

The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, in Mead Chapel on Hepburn Road off College Street (Route 125). The performers include professionals as well as faculty, staff and students of Middlebury College. There will be appearances by François Clemmons, Middlebury College Twilight Artist-In-Residence; Amy Chavasse, Middlebury College artist-in-residence in dance; Sharipoon’s Funk Brigade, a student band; Riddim, a student dance group; People Get Ready, a student a cappella Christian singing group; and Anderson herself.

Within the last three months, Hurricanes Ivan, Frances and Charlie, often reaching a category four level, rampaged through the Caribbean. Hurricane Ivan directly hit Jamaica, leaving 17 people dead and thousands displaced, according to officials at the Jamaican Embassy in New York City. The damage to houses, schools, hospitals, retirement homes and businesses was enormous. On Sept. 30, the Jamaica Observer reported, “Three major hurricanes in less than a month have scarred islands across the Caribbean and left billions of dollars in destruction, a crippling toll that has interrupted life for many and will likely mean years of rebuilding.”

Anderson, who has kept in touch with her family in Jamaica, said, “There are so many problems related to basic needs, such as lack of running water, the constant disruption of electricity, and the unfortunate looting, that are affecting many people. Seeing images on CNN is one thing, but living through this disaster is just overwhelming.

“All my family experienced was a damaged roof, but there are senior citizens in St. Ann and other rural areas who have no place to live. Many of them were trying to make ends meet on meager pensions. This is a third world country-we don’t have the resources or financial backing to quickly rebuild-so any help is appreciated,” added Anderson.

All funds raised will be donated to Excelsior Primary School in Kingston, Jamaica, an elementary school that suffered hurricane damage, and St. Ann Infirmary in St. Ann, Jamaica, a residence for seniors that was destroyed.

Tickets are $3 and are available at the door and at the Middlebury College Box Office. For tickets or more information, contact the Box Office at 802-443-6433 or www.middlebury.edu/arts.

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