So.zo hosts musical benefit for AIDS awareness

To help raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic, So.zo Cafe, in conjunction with Population Services International (PSI) and YouthAIDS, is hosting a musical benefit show Saturday night.

The event, which will feature numerous area musicians including Kenneth Zachary Atkins, Jim Savarino and others, will benefit the YouthAIDS organization.

"YouthAIDS is an affiliate of (PSI) that helps to raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic to youth worldwide by means of pop culture, music, sports, etc," said event organizer Leila Famouri. "Our goal is to provide education for youth across the world who might not understand the disease and its impact."

Famouri became motivated to get involved with the campaign against AIDS after hearing stories on its affects in affected areas.

"I've been concerned with the AIDS epidemic and wanted to get involved for a while," Famouri said. "I heard stories about how AIDS was affecting people in Africa, and these really touched me and motivated me to get involved."

When Famouri discovered YouthAIDS, her involvement quickly grew, culminating in the event this Saturday.

"I've been working on putting this show together for a while and have received great response from the acts," Famouri said. "We have a lot of great acts performing and a few other activities like raffles for gift cards and even a play. It's going to be a good time."

According to Famouri, So.zo has also been a great asset to this benefit show.

"Sozo has been great to work with," Famouri said. "The owners are good people, and they were more than willing to help out for the show."

"With these wonderful acts and this great venue, it should be a great atmosphere Saturday supporting this fantastic cause," Famouri said.

Among the performers at the event is violinist Danielle Zimmerman, who got involved in the event thanks to Famouri.

"I'm friends with Leila. She was looking for musical talent, and I was more that willing to help," Zimmerman said. "I've performed in quartets before, but never been on stage by myself, so it should be interesting."

However, helping out with the benefit is ultimately enough reason for Zimmerman to become involved.

"It's a great fundraiser," Zimmerman said. "So many people don't know enough about the AIDS crisis, and YouthAIDS really helps raise awareness."

The YouthAIDS benefit is set to begin Saturday night at 8 at Sozo Cafe. Admission is $3 for the event, and there will be a $5 raffle for anyone interested.