Five bands are performing at Humboldt State University on Sunday in the hopes of raising funds for the Grenada Disaster Relief Effort. The Bayou Swami's, Cuckoo's Nest, Gypsy Jazz Quintet, Lila Nelson and Friends, Sambaphonic and Dun Dun Faré are all donating their time and talents to help this cause. On Sept. 7 of this year, Grenada, a small island whose economy was based on tourism and agriculture, was ravaged by Hurricane Ivan. The hurricane destroyed 90 percent of the buildings on the island and left 60 percent of the population homeless. Humboldt State has had a relationship to the Caribbean island through its Anthropological Field School -- a program that has connected Grenadians with about 50 students, alumni and faculty. GDRE was formed under the direction of Prof. Mary Glenn to aid the devastated island. The Grenada Disaster Relief benefit show is their latest fund-raiser. "It's our biggest drive yet," said student Heather Montgomery. "We're not getting anything out of it except the joy of doing it." "We would love to see people come out to support this cause," said Glenn. "It's a good way to support a good cause and have fun at the same time." Glenn hopes to see the Kate Buchanan Room's 600 seats full. So far, about 200 tickets have been sold. The Relief fund will first focus proceeds from the show on helping Mt. Pleasant Orphanage recover. Its infrastructure was badly damaged during the storm. The people of Grenada were so giving, so accepting of the HSU students when they visited, these students feel that helping out now is the least they can do to return that hospitality. "The people of Grenada have reached into their hearts and invited us in to learn about their culture, their country, and their environment. I feel now that it is partly my responsibility to reach into my heart and help them in their time of need," said graduate student Alisha Clompus. "In Grenadian culture, it's really special to be invited into someone's home. Many of us were." The five bands set to perform for the Relief Effort are an eclectic mix. The Bayou Swamis are a Zydeco band; The Cuckoo's Nest Gypsy Jazz Band offer modern jazz; and Dun Dun Faré play West African drum rhythms. Sambaphonic plays throughout the crowd, and Lila Nelson will bring her poet's perspective and her unconventional voice to share with the audience. Lila Nelson said about this upcoming show, "The Grenada Disaster Relief Effort team, with the help of the community, has done an amazing job raising funds already, and I'm excited to be a part of it this Sunday night. There is a strong tie between HSU and Grenada, and I'd encourage folks to come out, bring your families and friends, support and enjoy. A little bit goes a long way. I'm personally looking forward to being there with some of my favorite local musicians." There are other ways to help support this cause. T-shirts are available for purchase. There will be a raffle at the Sunday night show and a larger raffle a couple weeks later. A booth at the Farmers' Market on the Arcata Plaza on Saturday will be selling tickets for the upcoming large raffle. Glenn wanted people to know that there was such a huge response from people giving material donations, they've stopped collecting material goods, but money donations will be accepted until Dec. 15. Doors for the Benefit Show open at 6 p.m. on Sunday in HSU's Kate Buchanan Room. A slide show is scheduled at that time. Music starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Works, the Metro and the HSU ticket office. For more information about the Relief Effort, you can visit the GDRE's website at www.geocities.com/hsugrenada. SOURCE: TIMES-STANDARD.COM