Tues. Jan. 26

 "I just found out my half-brother's sister and her 9 month old child was killed in the earthquake in Port-Au-Prince," says singer Nadia Salomon, bringing a very personal reaction to the devastation in Haiti. Nadia - who just uses her first name as a performer - is doing what musicians often do in times of tragedy: Fundraise. It just happens that Nadia founded the Emerge Music Boston Showcase at All Asia. And so ..."Emerge Music Boston will dedicate its monthly showcase and monies raised to support Haiti's earthquake victims during this immense time of need." It takes place Tuesday Jan. 26.

The monthly showcase, says Nadia, "was originally designed to give indie, emerging, female artists an opportunity to perform in and around Boston.  I created this opportunity because a lot of the local venues wouldn't give me a chance to perform, so, I decided to go it alone.  After a couple of shows, it became a permanent gig.  Funny enough a lot of male artists got wind of this showcase and asked to be a part of it. So, the showcase is now open to any emerging, indie artist who wants to perform around town." 

Ans so, the fundraiser: "I'm hosting this for all the victims of the earthquake.  My family was affected.  Our home in the city was affected - we're not sure of the extent of the damage, but the care-taker was injured during the collapse.  All the remaining occupants were safe thankfully.  Although most of my family is from Plaisance (a city in the country side), many moved to Port-Au-Prince, Gonaives, and other towns.  So, it's heartbreaking to watch the devastation on the news or to get phone calls like I did to learn of such tragic deaths. Also, my brother's neighbors in Florida, found out a relative died after watching live video on CNN of a coffin being rolled down the streets of Port-Au-Prince -- and the family behind the coffin was theirs; nameless to the world, but, familiar to them.  I don't have words to describe the extent of this tragedy.  That's the reason for the fundraiser.  This is a universal tragedy and this is the time for us to act and do something, anything...to help ease the suffering that's affecting Haiti right now."

Join Cambridge Councilwoman Henrietta Davis and, possibly, acting mayor Ken Reeves for the bash. Right now, the artists confirmed to perform are Nadia (www.nadiaworld.com) and Josh Beetler (www.myspace.com/joshbeetler), Shelby Trevor, Heaven Sent, Mark of Jah Fist and the Tom Harrison Band, 
Haitian poet-folklorist Levit Desronvil Mark of Jah Fist (Roots Reggae), Shelby Trevor, Michel Pierre , Gary McKnight and Dan Persons. You'll hear everthing from roots reggae to experimental jazz to Klezmer, to soul and lo-fi rock. Oh, and Haitian classical.

Money goes to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund, started by Wyclef Jean. Says Nadia: "I wanted to do this fundraiser for Yele Haiti because I have long appreciated Wyclef Jean not only for his music, but for his pride in being Haitian. ... I am proud he started this foundation and is doing something good for Haiti.  Through this foundation, he has raised awareness about the needs of this poor, forgotten Caribbean country. I believe through music we can pull together in this global community to do something to help those left behind."

Several area businesses such as Hotel Marlowe, Hyatt Regency, Cambridge, The Asgard, OM Restaurant and WHDH, Channel 7 have all donated items to be raffled/auctioned off. Showtime is early, 6:30-9:30. Suggested donation: $10. Charity info: Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund, PO BOX 2345, New York, NY 10108
www.yele.org., Tax ID# is 650 823 881.

334 Mass Avenue, Cambridge,617-497-1544 www.allasiabar.com