In light of Hanukkah commencing, and in support of the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts for the countless east coast residents, Matisyahu has released a brand new single titled, “Happy Hanukkah” to liven up the spirits this holiday season!
Matisyahu has been one of the few modern reggae artists to successfully capture mainstream appeal. Since breaking onto the scene nearly ten years ago as the unique Hasidic reggae rapper, Matisyahu has yet to slow down. 2012, has been one of his busiest years yet, dawning a new look, dropping a new record and touring the nation alongside the Dirty Heads, as well as headlining two of his own nationwide tours. After all this, Matisyahu has found the time to released one more single to help close out the year.
Aptly titled ”Happy Hanukkah,” Matisyahu released the catchy new single stating, “I am from New York and wanted to give back to my incredible community in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.” Even if you weren’t directly affected by this tragedy, the sights and sounds coming from that beautiful region of the country had to sour one’s sprits. But, Matisayhu wanted to bring the holiday cheer to those affected with the gift of music.
Available exclusively online, all proceeds through December 16th, the end of Hanukkah, will be donated to The Jewish Federations of North America and The Robin Hood Foundation to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Fans and supportors can pick up the new single on Matisyahu’s website, iTunes, or Amazon .
Whenever a disaster strikes, it seems that the music community never fails to join together in philanthropy. The word “Hanukkah” comes from a Hebrew verb meaning “to dedicate.” In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, many musicians have graciously dedicated their time, energy and resources to raise the funds necessary to help restore normalcy to so many during the holiday season.
With in the reggae rock scene, in addition to Matisyahu, 311 has made available a download of their set from this year’s concert at New York’s Jones Beach Ampitheater. All proceeds from this download, plus an additional donation from 311 are going to the American Red Cross. Slightly Stoopid joined in as well, providing a jammin’ Hurricane Sandy Relief Show, streaming two sets live from Slightly Stoopid’s home studios on Stageit.com, giving all donations to the relief efforts.
In the mainstream arena, music fans of any genre can look forward to the big 12-12-2-12 Hurricane Sandy Benefit Concert. Sponsored by Chase at the iconic Madison Square Gardens, the concert will be broadcast live, today, December 12th across 34 U.S. and international television channels, as well as on radio and the Internet, making this a global event available to nearly two billion people across six continents.
For this global event, many of the world’s top performers will unite together for one, universal cause. The lineup includes Bruce Springsteen &The E Street Band, Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Chris Martin, Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters, Kanye West, The Who, Paul McCartney, and The Rolling Stones.
The November hurricane killed dozens and inflicted billions of dollars worth of damage across the east coast. Due to the tremendous generosity of concert organizers, sponsors, and Robin Hood’s board of directors, every single penny from ticket purchases and donations will go to the Robin Hood Relief Fund, a fund providing money, material and know-how to local organizations that are serving families and individuals in some of the hardest hit areas in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Don’t miss this worldwide musical event. Check out 121212concert.org for more information on the broadcasts and donation information.
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Article By: Aaron Solomon
