The turnout for last Thursday's Haiti fundraiser was amazing! Hundreds of people showed up at Sweet’s Ballroom in downtown Oakland to see a lineup of Bay Area artists including Dwayne Wiggins of Tony, Toni, Tone, Too Short, Mistah F.A.B., Ise Lyfe, Netta Brielle, Erk Tha Jerk, Martin Luther, Allen Anthony and Club Nouveau. 

Wiggins created The “House Party Tour” with the goal of raising $100,000 for earthquake victims. “My heart hurt when I saw the devastation,” he said during an interview. “I felt it was my duty to put on this event.” Other organizers included Mayor Dellums and his wife Cynthia, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and several local agencies and community organizations.

Event co-founder Ashia Darby, of the Good Lyfe event planning organization, volunteered her services and said she was thankful to be there. “I am excited and happy to contribute my time" she says. 

The music for the event was all inclusive with an eclectic mix ranging from R & B and rap to punk, funk, and soul. From dancing to singing to spoken word, the stage was graced by some of the Bay Area’s most promising talent.

Up and coming Bay Area R & B singer Netta Brielle came out with a few of her band mates to represent for a good cause. “I am just happy to be a part of something for Haiti,” she said. “It’s good to see people come together and vibe to good music.”

Brielle performed her new single “Tonight” produced by Oakland producer BeatRoc, who accompanied her on the keys and spoke about how much of an inspiration and mentor Dwayne Wiggins has been, adding that “anything to help benefit the people of Haiti, I’m all for it!”

Another up and coming artist Erk the Jerk, who has the hit rap song “Right Here”, said he was thankful for the opportunity to participate, adding that a disaster like the earthquake “makes you realize how blessed you really are.”

As for the more seasoned participants, Oakland rappers Too Short and Mistah F.A.B. came out to participate. While waiting for his turn, F.A.B. wrote an impromptu poem to recite as his ode to Haiti. He then talked about how, in spite of the nice sized crowd, he expected more people to come out “well, maybe I’m just a dreamer” he added.

Too Short performed a few classics and said he came out to support because “this represents Oakland and the Bay Area as a community and we always ban together for a good cause. Whether celebrating or fighting for the struggle, Oakland always stands up!”

Another voice that represents Oakland is Ise Lyfe, a well known poet and rap artists who constantly works to advocate change in the Oakland community. He discussed the importance of people realizing that if they can come together for the people of Haiti then they can come together for the people of Oakland.

Other supporters included Oakland blogger “Cool Hand Luke” from 38thnotes.com, Oakland party promoter Jareem Gunter and Richmond native, fashion designer and CEO of JRichell Fashions, Jacquelynn Richell Lethridge.

Overall the event truly showed how the artists and community members of the East Bay Area could come together for a good cause.

Check out our Haiti relief page for more ways to help the people devastated by the earthquake.

Photo slideshows courtesy of Nijla Mu'min and Alyssa Tomfohrde.