SHERBORN, Mass. — Elias Fund, Inc. announced today that on May 5, 2007, ten bands from across the Northeast will perform in Acton, Massachusetts, to champion one cause known to thousands by one name: Elias. In honor of this Zimbabwean father of three sons, and on behalf of hundreds of other people and their communities, music fans with change on their minds will come together in Nara Park for EliasFest: The Voice of the Voiceless.

“We’re putting on this event in order both to raise awareness and raise funds to support the invaluable work of the Elias Fund,” said Cory Peterson, the organization’s Northeast manager.

“The Elias Fund is a nonprofit organization providing hope and opportunity to Zimbabwean youth through community development and education, while also empowering the American youth culture to embrace its responsibility to help effect change on behalf of those who most need it. With EliasFest, we want to sound a drumbeat for change that never stops.”

In addition to a surprise headliner that has a fan base numbering in the thousands, the audience will be hearing from The Brew, The Casual Fiasco, Clarias, Scarecrow Collection, Barefoot Truth, Tin Can Tele, 3rd Left, Old Silver Band, Geno, and Xander.

Executive Director Eric Byington, 22, believes the event, like the Elias Fund, both respects and transcends cultural differences. “EliasFest 2007 will be a chance for America’s youth to raise their voices in unison for the people of Zimbabwe-and those everywhere who dream for the opportunities that strong communities can provide- while celebrating the universal language of music.”

According to Peterson, 17, a senior at Lawrence Academy (Groton, MA), Rob Abelow, speaks for more than the three bands he serves as a booking agent. “I want my acts to play at EliasFest because there are some things that are way more important than music, and it is great when these bands can use their talents and something they have a passion for to give back.”

In keeping with the Elias Fund’s commitment to act both locally and globally, a portion of the proceeds from the event will go toward Acton’s teen center and skateboard park. The Elias Fund, a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 2005, is unique among nonprofits for supporting activism among youth while also being led by youth.

Tickets are now on sale at http://www.eliasfund.org.

The venue, Nara Park, will open its doors at 1:30 p.m., and the bands will perform from 2:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

[tags]Voice of the Voiceless Music Festival, Elias Fund Inc, EliasFest Massachusetts concert[/tags]