See global music icon Angelique Kidjo on Oct. 9 at The Freight in Berkeley

"Berkeley's Freight & Salvage (aka The Freight) will feature five-time Grammy Award-winner and global music icon Angelique Kidjo when its annual benefit concert returns Oct. 9 this year. Joining Kidjo will be Bay area-based Brazilian singer-songwriter Badi Assad. Proceeds from ticket sales, a live auction and donations will support ongoing operations and The Freight's Golden State of Song education program."

"We are trying to raise the money needed to keep our programming growing and to make up for the loss of funds due to the lack of support from the current presidential administration, Clayton Shelvin, The Freight's executive director, wrote in an email about the venue's goal to raise at least $200,000. This fundraiser is a significant moment to reach out to our community. My job is to see The Freight is accessible for everyone and that it is here for future generations to come."

"Golden State of Song, The Freight's flagship arts integration program according to its website (thefreight.org/education), reaches the next generation of music-appreciators directly with an interactive curriculum that links social studies and music. Shelvin says education ambassadors comprised of local musicians get students hooked on learning and fill voids left in schools. We have committed to expanding and growing the program, and we continue to receive requests from educators across the state who want to work with us, says Shelvin."

Berkeley's Freight & Salvage will present a benefit concert Oct. 9 featuring Angelique Kidjo and Bay Area-based Brazilian singer-songwriter Badi Assad. Ticket sales, a live auction and donations will fund ongoing operations and the Golden State of Song education program. Local connections will be emphasized through at-cost food from 5th House Catering and attention to local artists and educators who lead community and school classes and workshops. Executive director Clayton Shelvin aims to raise at least $200,000 to sustain and grow programming amid funding shortfalls. Golden State of Song links social studies and music and uses local musician ambassadors to engage students statewide.

Read at www.eastbaytimes.com