Giant Step Fund Raiser
Pohang, South Korea
May 11, 2004
 I've been a musician and organizer for a number of years. Back home, I was always involved in one benefit or another. Last year, while travelling through Central America I found the OneWorld Beat site on the internet. I thought it was a great idea and signed up. I formed a small impromptu gathering in Tikal, Guatemala with world peace in mind. We sang songs and and told stories in a campground beneath the Mayan moon. It was magical.
This year, being in Korea, I was in a better position to organize a stage. I had already met some musicians here in Pohang and they were excited about the idea so I agreed to host an Open Stage. I was the initial organizer but we all came together as a group to make it happen.
Surprisingly enough the event had no problems at all. It was a smooth production all the way. The pre-event establishment of internet broadcasting was a little difficult because of the language barrier and some technical bugs but I expected at least some problems in this area. I have a philosophy I follow: "If something isn't happening, it's because its not time for it to happen: let things happen as they will". That works very well in reducing stress and keeping an open mind.
 By nine p.m. the place was filling up very fast. We started a little late but by then the place was full. It was time to start the benefit. The night began with Donal, Kat and myself playing together as a trio. It was a last minute decision that worked out very well with some nice harmonies and variety to open the evening. Donal and Kat were also the other main organizers for this event.
The variety of performances was truly amazing. Woogie, a local Korean friend performed Beat Box with his Hip Hop friends from Seoul. They really got the crowd going.
One particularly touching moment was when Amber sang a very well known Korean song. Everybody in the place was spellbound. My school director, Jay said he was very surprised and deeply moved by her performance. It evoked a very passionate response from the audience.
Whenever a person is far from home, they naturally form bonds with other travellers/foreigners as well as nationals of that country. My own experience is that these bonds are relatively fast maybe because of our vulnerability of being away from familiar situations.
Again in my experience, people tend to be more passionate about their life when they travel. Usually diversity is welcomed not feared. Coming together for a common cause like One World Beat seems natural and easy ... and it was.
Our only cost was the video production which Mr. Choi the owner of The Giant Step helped cover. He also matched our donations Won for Won. The total raised after expense: 842,000 Won( about 750 U.S.). Unfortunately,the edited video is quite long (about 1 hour 45 minutes) so it won't be available for download, sorry.
My first love is music, the writing, the creation, the performance. Music, for me is a deep expression of true self and also a vehicle to better understand the world around me. It's an ever unfolding tapestry that I hope will always evoke the passion that keeps my lamp lit.
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