By Calista Chong (18A01A), Ashley Tan (18A13A) and Grace Lau (18S03I)
Have you ever caught yourself lamenting the lacklustre ambience of a cafe in the midst of an otherwise enjoyable meal? Have you ever longed for an event where you could enjoy the best of both worlds by pleasing both your gustatory and auditory senses? Well, if you have, then Jambodia is the answer!
Organised by World Vision’s band, Musicatalyst, and a group of passionate volunteers, Jambodia will be held on the 8th of April, this Saturday, at Hood Bar and Cafe. Through what is sure to be a night filled with song and hope, this event aims to raise funds for World Vision’s Street Children Transformation Project (SCTP) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The SCTP began fifteen years ago following the Khmer Rouge regime, which left many disenfranchised children in desperate need of support. Since then, World Vision has dedicated itself to the breaking the vicious cycle of generations living on the streets. Musicatalyst consists of six zealous and convicted youths, who hope to spread love, reach out to these marginalised children and raise awareness for this meaningful cause, by doing what they love the most – playing music.
For Jambodia, Musicatalyst will be showcasing their splendid vocals and camaraderie by performing four originals, as well as Lean On Me by Bill Withers. Concert-goers can also look forward to being serenaded by prominent local artists including Jean Tan and duo Jack and Rai (interesting fact: Rai is also an RI alumnus!), who will be performing their upcoming single, Hero. They, too, will be singing their hearts out to raise funds for the street children in Phnom Penh.
On top of this exciting lineup, there will be heartfelt sharing sessions by the Musicatalyst team, which our very own Rafflesian, Ashley Tan, is a part of. After interacting with the street children in Phnom Penh last December, the participants have had many meaningful takeaways and these sharing sessions are guaranteed to be thought-provoking as well as reflective.
To raise funds for the SCTP, Musicatalyst has also put up a uniquely designed piano up for auction. Embellished with vibrant sea creatures and a painting of a shipwreck, the “reborn” piano is a joint project by one of the band members, Andrew Koh, and local artist Jacqueline Wang, who believes in giving back to society through her works of art. Until its new owner arrives to claim it, this piano will be placed at Orchard Central for all to view and play on.
Furthermore, Hood Bar and Cafe has kindly agreed to donate 10% of all food and drink sales collected on the night of the event to the SCTP Project. So, feel free to order as much food as your heart desires to satisfy your inner epicurean, with the assurance that the funds collected will be channelled towards a good cause.
Event Information
Date: 8 April 2017 (Saturday), 5pm to 8pm
Venue: Hood Bar & Café, 201 Victoria Street, Bugis+ #05-07
Fee: $15 per ticket (inclusive of one drink)
If you would like to attend Jambodia, register at this link.
If you aren’t able to attend the event, but would still like to make a donation to this meaningful cause, head to this link.
Who knows? You could be someone’s hero.
