On March 12, a lineup of musicians performed in downtown Dallas as part of a benefit concert to help those in Ukraine. The concert was held at Opening Bell Coffee, owned by Paschal Hall. She spoke to WFAA about the fundraiser and why she felt it needed to happen.
“Because I watch the news every night and I cry,” Hall said. “I can’t, I have to do something.”
Hall first opened the coffee shop 19 years ago. One of her employees, Victoria Golick, is from Ukraine.
Golick said she felt “honored” when she saw how many people attended the benefit concert.
“I am so shocked seeing these people coming out on a Saturday night,” Golick told WFAA. “They have so much going on in their lives, but they chose to come here and spend time to stand with my country.”
Victoria Asher, a Ukrainian native who attended the event, told WFAA she has family in both Ukraine and Russia. She added she’s most worried about her father because they’ve lost communication, but events like the fundraiser give her hope.
“It’s very great to see that people from another country, that they are nice and want to help somehow,” Asher said. She said she is grateful for those that care about what is happening in Ukraine.
Thirteen musicians performed at the benefit from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There was a suggested donation of $20 to $100 at the door, and all proceeds were donated to the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee. The UUARC has been working to help communities in Ukraine for more than 75 years.
Opening Bell also donated 15% of its sales from March 12.
According to WFAA, the musicians performed for free. One performer, Nathan Mongol Wells, had invited his family and friends to attend.
“I am part of a label record company in Dallas,” Wells told WFAA. “One of the guys on the label started organizing this and asked a bunch of [us] to come and play, and it was, ya know, a no-brainer.”
Steve Jackson organized the event and acted as the host. Most of the participating musicians had performed at the coffee shop before.
“Opening Bell Coffee present[s] a benefit show to raise funds for those in need in the war-torn Ukraine,” Opening Bell advertised on their website. “One of Dallas’s greatest gifts to the world is its eclectic music community. Opening Bell Coffee, along with local open mic host Steve Jackson, have teamed up to create a night of music that advocates for peace and relief for those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”
Some of the musicians that took the stage included Don Wall, Garrett Owen, Phoenix Hart, and Emmeline. The concert closed with Christine Hand.
According to the UUARC, donations are used to support humanitarian aid for victims in Ukraine. This includes purchasing medical supplies and equipment to send into the country. The organization is also collecting donations of trash bags, mobility aids, linens, baby formula, and hygiene items.
