The Fine Arts Department at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) will present a benefit concert to raise funds for tsunami relief this coming Wednesday. "A Special Music Festival: In Loving Memory of the Tsunami Victims" will take place on November 26 th , beginning at 7 p.m. in the Holy Family Hall at Fatuoaiga. "Over the last months, we've seen many efforts on behalf of the tsunami victims," said Fine Arts Department Chairperson Namulauulu Dr. Paul Pouesi, "but we know that a great need still exists. We hope the public will include our performance in their pre-Thanksgiving plans as we offer our music as a way of helping and healing."

Namulauulu will lead the ASCC Concert Choir during the evening's performance. Having practiced diligently throughout the semester, the Concert Choir recently gave a notable performance as part of the Veterans Day services at the CCCAS Church in Fagaalu. Commending the performance, ASCC President Dr. Seth Galea'i remarked, "The ASCC Choir truly exemplified the level of excellence the College is accustomed to give." The Choir also opened this past Thursday's concert by the Katinas at Kananafou, of which Namulauulu recalled, "We really enjoyed how the Katinas' great sound system helped project the professional quality of the choir."

Namulauulu and the Choir will welcome a number of special guests at the concert, including the Faasao/Marist Choir, the ASCC Ukulele Ensemble, and a group known as Melodies of Grace. Offering a preview of the Ukulele Ensemble's performance, their leader, music instructor Kuki Tuiasosopo said, "We've put together a dedication song called 'Great Sea, Beloved Ones, Mighty God', composed by members of the Ensemble. I wanted them to utilize their artistic skills to create a piece of music that would not only remember loved ones, but also capture the spirit of our Samoan people as we rise together and re-build." Tuiasosopo added that he would like to see a recording made of this new song, if the Ensemble can secure the funding for studio time.

Comprising six closely-related singers from a musical family, Melodies of Grace has slowly built up their stage experience by playing at church meetings and youth gatherings over the last two years. Ranging in age from 12 to 20, the group consists of siblings Quenana, Quenton, Taylor and Tepualani Failauga, joined by cousins William Pedro and Melchizedek Lilio. Influenced by modern sounds but also firmly rooted in gospel tradition through their grandparents who are faifeau in the Seventh Day Adventist church in Manu'a, a spokesperson for Melodies of Grace said on their behalf, "It is the hope and prayer of the group that our music will be able to touch someone out there that still needs special healing."

In addition to the fine lineup of musical talent, ASCC Visual Arts instructor Regina Meredith and her students will also join in the fundraising effort by having on display a number of recent artworks which they will auction. "My drawing, ceramics and design students have all contributed items for this cause," said Meredith. "We plan to set up our display at the venue an hour before the performance, so that members of the public can view the artwork and make bids on items they like. All the proceeds we raise will go towards helping victims of the tsunami."

Namulauulu explained that although the concert is being held to raise money, no admission will be charged at the door. "Rather than having a fixed admission price, we would instead like everyone to simply give what they feel comfortable giving. We will have a table where donations will be accepted, but just to attend the concert is basically free." For more information on this Wednesday's performance, call the main ASCC switchboard at 699-9155, and ask for Namulauulu Dr. Paul Pouesi.