On April 16, the Grand Rapids chapter of Amnesty International will hold their first "Jamnesty For Human Rights Awareness" at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids. The show features a solid line-up that includes blues/rock artist Lucas Wilson, folk/bluegrass acts Dragon Wagon, The Northern Skies and Bennett. The doors to the all ages show opens at 7pm. Tickets are $8 in advance at $10 at the door. Advance tickets are available at The Pyramid Scheme's website.
With over 3.5 million members, Amnesty International is the world's largest human rights organization. For over 50 years, Amnesty International has been keeping a vigilant watch for human rights abuses around the world, shining a light on these abuses and galvanizing people into action through writing letters, protesting and engaging policy makers. It is a grassroots movement made up of volunteers members that participate in hundreds of autonomous local and student groups from all over the world.
"Amnesty International has long standing tradition of partnering with musicians and celebrities to help spread awareness of human tights issues and galvanize people into action," says Amnesty International member Gary Dekock of Grand Rapids. U2, Bob Dylan, and Joen Baez are just a few of the artists that have helped.
"This Jamnesty will bring people together to hear great local music, learn about human rights issues, and raise funds for future events like film screenings," says Dekock. :We're really excited." Volunteers will be manning a table with information on current human rights cases and petitions available for signatures. Guests are not required to sign anything; they can walk over to the table if and when they want.
While Amnesty groups around the world hold Jamnesties, this will be the first one in Grand Rapids. This local group has only been around for two years and the members hope that this event will increase their visibility and participation.
"We're always looking for new people to come to the meetings in order to learn about the issues," Dekock says. "We're hoping that people will become engaged and help." Amnesty International meets the first Monday of each month (barring holidays) at 7 p.m. at Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids from September through May.
To find out more information about Amnesty International- Grand Rapids, check out their Facebook page.
More information about Amnesty International is available at on their website.
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