HALIFAX – A pair of Halifax music-lovers has found a new way to counter the controversial Energy Rush concert headlined by R&B singer Chris Brown.
Jen Ochej and Chantal Caissie are putting together a benefit concert, called Love Does, to raise money for three local women’s shelters.
“We don’t want to make it a boycott or anything like that,” said Caissie. “We really just want it to be something positive for the community that we can get together and show our support for these shelters.”
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In 2009, Brown was convicted of assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna.
Since the concert at Dartmouth’s Alderney Landing was announced last Friday, there has been growing backlash.
Four sponsors pulled out and an online petition calling for Brown to be removed as the headliner has gathered more than 13,500 signatures, as of Wednesday.
But, Ochej said she was motivated to do more.
“One of the things that many people said was, ‘What purpose will this serve to have this concert cancelled or the headliner changed? What good are you actually doing in just achieving that?'” she said.
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That’s how the idea for the charity concert was spawned.
The two women have been busy planning the event, which will take place on Aug. 31 — the same day as Energy Rush — at The Company House on Gottingen St.
The organizers have not finalized their line-up yet, but hope to have a list of acts in the next couple of weeks.
They say interest in volunteering and performing at the event has been strong.
Money raised will go to Adsum House, Alice Housing and Bryony House, which all support women and children in domestic violence situations.
“I think it’s a terrific idea. I think it’s a wonderful way to take the energy that has come from this issue of Chris Brown and turn it into something very positive,” said Pamela Harrison, the provincial co-ordinator for the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia.
Meanwhile, tickets to the Energy Rush concert went on sale Wednesday morning at 10 a.m.
The concert promoter, Stephen Tobin of Drop Entertainment Group, says sales are “well ahead of expectations” in both Halifax and Winnipeg, where Chris Brown is also performing.
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