AI gig

Musicians are a generous breed, often turning out to raise funds for good causes. But Amnesty International is held in particularly high regard by musicians, artists and writers all over the world. Why? Because, when regimes want to keep their populations under control, the musicians and artists are the people they lock up – along with journalists, demonstrators and others who are inclined to question authority. Amnesty works to get these people freed and, in their own words, ‘to protect individuals wherever justice, fairness, freedom and truth are denied’.

So when the Scarborough Amnesty group decided to hold a concert Mark Gordon of Stony swung into action, recruiting his own band, along with the Tom Townsend Blues Band and Ali & the Beachcombers. Leslie Stone and Marian Gordon, together with Malcolm at the Cask, persuaded Wold Top Brewery to donate a barrel of beer, giving the prospect of a memorable event.

The local Amnesty group has been in action for over thirty years. Most of the work is done by individual members writing letters, cards and, these days, emails. These go to people in authority but also to prisoners of conscience and their families to give support and to let them know they haven’t been forgotten. The greetings card campaign at Christmas is especially important; millions of cards are sent out by AI members, and it’s easy to join in. Amnesty is unusual in getting members to do essential work, instead of just raising money. Their message is: ‘We are ordinary people from around the world standing up for humanity and human rights.’

Nevertheless, funds are needed to keep the organisation running. So get along to the Cask on 15 November, enjoy some great music and support the work of Amnesty. For more information about Amnesty in Scarborough call in at the Bookshelf on Victoria Road and speak to Leslie Stone.
Roger Osborne

Music For Human Rights
Sunday 15 November 2pm to 6pm
£3 entry, pay on the door

Home page pic of Stony: Mike Jackson