Drumming up money for Haiti

The Dubé brothers – comprised of Liam, Jan (prounounced Yan), and Quinn – along with friend Sandro Ragusa have a couple of local charity performances booked. They rocked the Chateau Laurier for the Haitian ambassador on Tuesday, Feb. 9 and are scheduled to play two sets at downtown’s Raw Sugar on March 13.

The youngsters, who range in age from nine to 13, are playing to help children in Haiti. While their next performance isn’t until March, the boys are urging people to donate ahead of time to triple their impact. Donations in support of the House of Hope will be matched by a private donor, Ajax Downs, up to $50,000. In addition, for every dollar donated by individual Canadians before Friday, Feb. 12, the Canadian International Development Agency will contribute a dollar to Haiti relief efforts to benefit families affected by the recent earthquake.

Haiti isn’t the first charity the boys have supported. In fact, they first went on stage because their grandmother asked them to play a breast cancer benefit concert, 12-year-old guitarist Liam says. Then she just booked the brothers “again and again,” he continues.

The brothers also made music videos for their bedridden mother before she died of cancer about two years ago.

The group of four was drawn to help Haiti relief efforts because people in the Carribbean country are suffering so much, explains 11-year-old Jan, who is lead vocals and also plays the bass. “It’s really sad,” adds 13-year-old Sandro, who plays the guitar and sings back-up.

They talk about how the devastation has torn families apart, Liam noting some children might have parents who are alive but they can’t find them. “We don’t see that here,” he says. “We have school, running water and a roof over our heads.”

The group hopes the money they raise will be used to reconnect families and rebuild the country.

To that end, the four talented musicians will stick to the classics, with covers of the Beatles, AC/DC and Pink Floyd.

During the March performance, though, the audience will be treated to more than just great music. Nine-year-old drummer Quinn has a few surprise moves borrowed from Michael Jackson. To make a donation to the band’s Feed the Children fundraiser in March and for links to some of their online videos, please visit www.channelk.ca