Journalists over Baghdad

Just as the Vietnam War impacted the music of the time, so has the war in Iraq affected… Just as the Vietnam War impacted the music of the time, so has the war in Iraq affected current music.

Just a short while ago, if you turned on any cable news channel – CNN, Fox News or even The Disney Channel – you could expect to hear, “U.S. troops captured the city of…” or perhaps, “Today, Iraqi Republican Guard forces…”

Now, just a few months later, the news channels have pared back their coverage of the war because, well, the war is essentially over. Baghdad has been captured, thus Iraq most often makes it into today’s headlines only when an American soldier is killed. For the most part, the reporters have gone home, as have many of the protesters.

If one man in Pittsburgh gets his way, however, there may soon be a few more journalists in Iraq.

Vincent Scotti Eirene plans to fly to Iraq, along with a news crew from his Web radio station, Blast Furnace Radio, to ask for forgiveness from the Iraqi people. In addition, Eirene plans on filming and reporting the ongoing stories coming out of Iraq, such as the health of the Iraqi people, that he thinks aren’t being covered by the major media.

What does this all have to do with Arts ‘ Entertainment? In order to get to Baghdad, Eirene needs money. This weekend, he will be holding the Music Without Borders benefit show to raise money for the Night Flight to Baghdad.The Concert For Peace, as it is also called, will feature several native Pittsburgh performers. Eccentric jazz singer/entertainer Phat Man Dee will be making an appearance, as will funk-jazz-fusion band Ouve and alternative-rock band The Cuff. The show will also feature Chris Serra, a new face to the Pittsburgh music scene.

Even if you aren’t interested in world affairs, this all-ages show has something for everyone. And you get the satisfaction of contributing to a great cause while being entertained.

The Concert for Peace will take place tomorrow, Sept. 6, at 9 p.m. Cost is $7. For more information or directions contact the Quiet Storm at (412) 661-YELL.