GREENSBORO – A relief concert to benefit those affected by the Haitian earthquake is being organized for next week.

The committee for the Band of Oz Haitian Relief Benefit is looking for a minimum of 300 verbal commitments by Sunday from those interested in attending a relief concert that would donate proceeds to the local offices of four national, non-profit organizations.

Upon receiving the 300 commitments, the concert will be held 7-10:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Empire Room on S. Elm Street in Greensboro. Admission is $12 for individuals or $10 for groups of 10 or more people.

Tommy Lineberry, coordinator of special events for the Children’s Home Society of N.C. and one of the organizers of the event, said he and a group of friends organized a similar concert when the Indian Ocean tsunami struck in 2004.

“It was just a group of private citizens that got together for that,” said Lineberry, who also had a hand in the Ilderton Beach Music Blast held in downtown High Point last summer. “We raised about $5,000 then.”

The same group will donate the proceeds of this concert to Haiti relief efforts through local offices of Habitat International, the Salvation Army, Carolina Adoption Services and the Children’s Home Society. Each organization will use the funds for its specific relief efforts in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where the earthquake hit Jan. 12.

“All of this started about a week ago,” Lineberry said about preparations for the concert. “This is absolutely amazing that everybody has stepped up to the plate like this.”

The committee has found restaurants and entertainment that will donate their services at a discounted price so the event can be held at a reasonable cost, including music provided by the Band of Oz beach band. That’s why the concert is contingent upon a minimum of 300 verbal commitments, though there is always room for more, Lineberry said.

“We need to know how many people to prepare for, but we are confident we’ll get that number,” he said about the 300 RSVPs.

To reserve your spot at the event, call 274-6176, ext. 411.

phaynes@hpe.com | 888-3617

Relief effort

What: Music benefit for the Haitian earthquake relief efforts contingent upon at least 300 verbal commitments by Sunday.

When: 7-10:30 p.m., Wednesday

Where: Empire Room, 200 S. Elm St. in Greensboro

Why: All proceeds will benefit Habitat International, the Salvation Army, Carolina Adoption Services and the Children’s Home Society in their Haiti relief efforts.

Cost: Admission is $12 for individuals and $10 for groups of 10 or more. The event includes entertainment and food. To RSVP, call 274-6176, ext. 411.