Jazz for Nepal

I was kind of envious of a friend who flew all the way from the United States to Nepal to do volunteer work. I tried to check out the flights from Thailand to Nepal but found it would cost me a fortune. I just told God, I may not be physically there to help people but their safety is in my prayers. Thankfully, the Rotary Club of Tongkah sponsored a fund raising concert to help Nepal. One of our surgeons invited us and we were blessed to have a boss who supports these kind of events.

The event was named Jazz for Nepal and tickets were sold at 1000THB and 1500THB. The organizers invited a Jazz singer,  Simone Kopmajer, to perform for the program. 22 June was the program date and we arrived at the venue promptly.

Before the gates started to open, cocktail reception was availed by all guests. Along with our tickets were 2 complimentary drinks of our choice. Options were either wine, coke or water. Finger foods such as barbecued shrimps, crackers, chicken legs were replenished every now and then. A lot of people were already having fun eating and talking with people they know.

The gates started to open at 7:30pm. There was the Jambo Survivors Band who served as the opening act. The vocalist belted out her rendition of "New York, New York" and was applauded well. They later on informed everybody that they are regulars of Banthai Hotel in Patong and they are Filipinos. I'm so proud of them and their performance.

The band was followed by a welcome speech of one of the organizers as well as a message from Dr Chuchart Nuwattana. He is a physician and a member of the Thailand medical team deployed to Nepal. A video was also shown depicting the devastation the earthquake did to the houses and lives of the people in the said country.

After that, Simone was introduced and began to entertain people. Her voice was sweet yet strong and smooth. She sang hits from Michael Buble and other songs such as Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You, Top of the World, Imagine by John Lennon and Rolling in the Deep by Adele to name a few. Here's an amateur video I have taken during the concert.

Her CD albums were sold at the reception area and people were able to buy them. The proceeds of these were put towards the donation for medical aid for Nepal.

It was definitely a wonderful night of Jazz added with the fact that we were able to help in our own little way. Cheers and thank you for your time! :)