Sponsored by the Community School of the East Bay 'A sensational lineup of some of the country's leading lights in acoustic music gathers under our roof for this not-to-be-missed benefit concert. Organized by students at the Community School of the East Bay (CSEB), and their faculty advisor, Devin Hess, to support youth who are enduring crises created by the recent tsunami, all the funds raised tonight will be sent to the "Do Something: Young People Changing Their World" campaign for tsunami relief. This program guarantees that at least 96% of funds received go to support specific projects, including constructing learning centers in Tamil Nadu, India; building a school in Banda Aceh, Indonesia; constructing a medical clinic in Kirinda, Sri Lanka; building a school in Pottuvil, Sri Lanka; and supporting the Sarvodaya Orphan Relief Fund, Sri Lanka. (At the independent CSEB, which combines a progressive approach to education with a commitment to social justice, students deepen their connection to the world through participation in community service.)

A brilliant mandolinist famous for forging his own musical path in his own inimitable way, DAVID GRISMAN has given bluegrass a highly personal spin in the form of "dawg" music, a unique, highly intricate, harmonically advanced hybrid of so many different stylistic influences (swing, bluegrass, Latin, jazz, gypsy) that he had to invent a name for it. In addition to his own renowned groups like Old and In the Way and the David Grisman Quintet, David has recorded with everyone from the Grateful Dead to Bonnie Raitt, and made more than 40 recordings, including five Grammy nominees.

LAURIE LEWIS' songwriting, fiddling, and crystal-clear singing have brought her national recognition, a Grammy, and two International Bluegrass Music Association Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year. Through her many band and solo outings, Laurie has become a key figure in bluegrass, traditional, and folk music circles. TOM ROZUM has been collaborating with Laurie ever since he added his mandolin, mandola, guitar, vocal talent, and wry humor to Laurie's Grant Street String Band.

One of the great musical minds of the Bay Area, groundbreaking violinist KAILA FLEXER (Next Village, Klezmer Mania) is known for her compelling original take on Eastern European folk music. Tonight she'll be joined in a selection of traditional Balkan and Balkan-inspired original numbers by DAN CANTRELL (Toids) on the accordion and BRIGET BOYLE (Kitka) on vocals, hand drums, and guitar.

GEOFF MULDAUR is known for making traditional gospel, folk, and blues styles his own, wrapping his polished guitar playing and riveting voice around classic American material as well as his own compositions. Tonight he's joined by The Fountain of Youth featuring flatpicking maestro ERIC THOMPSON and fiery fiddler SUZY THOMPSON, two of the most versatile stars in the Bay Area folk music pantheon, plus LARRY HANKS, jew'"s harp virtuoso and bass singer extraordinaire.

Also on tonight's bill are accomplished jazz guitarist, arranger, and recording artist, MIKE WOLLENBERG joined by violinist JULIAN SMEDLEY, plus the Community School of the East Bay's own Acousitc String Band featuring many of the dedicated young people who helped us organize tonght's event.