Concert to help tsunami victims

Singer-songwriter Jake Davis has never been to Asia. He doesn’t even know anybody from Indonesia or Sri Lanka.

But he knew he wanted to do something for victims of December’s catastrophic tsunami.

“I really don’t make a lot of money, so donating wasn’t going to make much of a difference,” Davis says. “One of my friends suggested I play a show for the tsunami victims. I didn’t think I would bring enough people myself. So I decided to contact as many people as I could and see if there was any interest of doing a concert.”

The musician sent an e-mail to bands listed on lazer.com and lawrence.com and immediately received around 25 responses. He’s narrowed down the lineup to eight Lawrence and Kansas City acts that will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday at The Granada.

“We’re hoping to raise an amount that’s going to make a difference,” says Betsy Stverak, director of media relations for DefCat Music, which represents several of the bands.

Proceeds will go to the American Red Cross International Response Fund.

“It’s going to help toward purchasing food and medicine to the victims over there,” she says. “It’s going to supplies to help rebuild their houses.”

In addition to the bands — which Davis describes stylistically as “mostly indie rock” — the benefit will feature a speech by Tom Van Holt. The Lawrence business owner was snorkeling in Thailand’s Surin Islands when the tsunami struck. There will also be a booth manned by a group of Sri Lankans who are taking donations to build schools.

“If I could, I would go over there in a heartbeat,” Stverak adds. “My heart goes out to those people. If this is the only thing I can do right now — being stuck in college and everything — then this is something I definitely need to do.”

With: Apollo 13, Architects, Tanner Walle, Abileen, The Pomonas, Aubrey, Distance to Empty and Basin ProjectWhen: 6 p.m. SaturdayWhere: The Granada, 1020 Mass.Tickets: $5-$7 (all-ages show)Ticket info: 842-1390More information:www.lawrence.com