Habitat for Humanity is an international organization of volunteers who give their time and… Habitat for Humanity is an international organization of volunteers who give their time and effort to build houses for the needy in more than 89 nations around the world. The University of Pittsburgh has its own chapter to help out surrounding communities with this often-overlooked problem. Over the past few years, the University of Pittsburgh chapter has had fundraisers and events to raise awareness of the organization’s effort, including the Habi-shack on the William Pitt Union’s Lawn

Now here’s your chance to help out a good cause and see some great live music, too. The University of Pittsburgh’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity is going to have a benefit show this Saturday in the Public Health Auditorium featuring the bands Zox, Yves Jean Band, Dodging August and Soulpatch. Tickets are only $5 at the door, and proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity.

Zox is a band from Providence, R.I., that combines the jamming sounds of reggae and punk with classical styles to create a new and interesting sound that is like nothing you’ve heard before. The skills of singer/songwriter/guitarist Eli Miller, violinist Spencer Swain, drummer John Zox and bassist Dan Edinburgh create an unmatched sound fusion.

Another band participating in this benefit show is the Yves Jean Band. Winners of the Graffiti Rock Challenge in 1999, they formed in 1997 when bassist and vocalist Yves Jean and drummer Matt Vucic got together to create a demo. That demo and the musical connection between the two created the bond that keeps the band going strong today. Their sound combines jam band-style music with a Caribbean beat, creating a great combination of fun and melody.

Rounding out this great lineup are the bands Soulpatch, whose music is a diverse blend of rock, alternative, folk, reggae and funk, and Dodging August.

If you’re looking for a lineup of some great local and national jam bands, you should definitely check out Spring Fest 2004. It’s on Saturday from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Public Health Auditorium. It’s only $5 to get in and supports a great cause.