News of the 7.0 earthquake that has devastated Haiti has been a wake-up call for our collective conscience, and the South Bay is no different. In that spirit, South First Billiards hosted the “Haiti: A Call to Contribute” benefit Friday night.
Around 8 p.m., as the event began, South First Billiards found itself sparsely populated. Its soundtrack, the occasional noise of billiard balls cracking together, against the sonic backdrop of As R & B artist KAYNIZ’s band warmed up around 8pm, there wasn’t much going on besides the occasional crack of billiard balls. But slowly and surely, supporters trickled in to pack the place, occupying every pool table, packing the bar and absorbing standing room, as patrons realized that it is possible to lend a helping hand while nursing a buzz.
As artists painted through the night, bands like the Blank Manuscript, Powder Train, Case in Theory and Aivar from a mix of genres—progressive rock, hip hop, R&B and reggae, took the stage.
“A few of my friends are performing tonight,” said a San Jose man who identified himself as Megabusive, who currently works at Silicon Valley De-bug. “We heard it was for Haiti relief, so we came out.”
Ben Sariano, who co-owns South First Billiards, said all the artists, bands, and poets donated their time for the benefit, and that all door money is going to the Red Cross. “We want them to know it’s going to the Red Cross,” Sariano said. “I may lose (the cost of) a beer, but right now, they’re out of medical aid there.”
Christine Pruden, a local marketing consultant, said that while the benefit was a chance to do something positive, “you still feel kind of helpless. What’s $10 here and $10 there going to do?”
A few people had come just for the pool, but were won over.
“My friends wanted to come out. We didn’t even know what it was.,” said Danielle Hall, who said she planned to donate anyway. “The artwork is beautiful.”
