‘Playing for Peace’ in a QC recording studio

BETTENDORF, Iowa (KWQC) — A recording studio in Quad Cities held a marathon concert to benefit Ukraine throughout the day Thursday.

Joy Avenue Media is a small studio in Bettendorf. Owner Dustin Cobb felt called to do something when he saw the end of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

“I felt all the suffering of children and women there in Ukraine,” Cobb said. “[I] didn’t sleep well. I wish there was something I could do.

Cobb gathered his friends from the QC music scene and thought they could help out by doing what they know best, playing music.

“[It’s] a way to give back to people who donate,” Cobb said.[C’est}unefaçonpourtouslesmusiciensquin’ontsouventpasbeaucoupd’argentàdonnerdesesentircommes’ilsparticipaientetdonnaientenavantC’estjustebonpourtoutlemonde[It’s}awayforallthemusicianswhooftendon’thavealotofmoneytodonatetofeellikethey’reparticipatingandgivingforwardIt’sjustgoodforeveryone”

All money raised will go to Rasoma non-profit humanitarian organization that provides emergency relief to Ukrainians on the ground driven from their homes.

According to the organization’s website, since the beginning of the Russian invasion, they have sent more than 70 pallets of supplies per week.

When Cobb reached out to Kate Dale, co-owner of Hive Event Consulting, she said she was happy to help coordinate all performances during the event.

“We know we can give music and hope,” Dale said. “I hope some of them are listening or can benefit from the funds we are raising today to help everyone get back on their feet.”

Around 15 artists from QCA joined the 24 performing in the show. One of these local singers was country artist Angela Meyer

“We don’t always think our talent is something we can offer,” Meyer said. “When you can just volunteer your time and other people connect and have fun, have fun, but they can also contribute to a cause, that’s really, really special.”

The gig was a combination of pre-recorded and live sets, with some bands like The Ballroom Thieves joining remotely from Portland, Maine.

Cobb said the biggest challenge was figuring out how to fit all the acts within Facebook’s live streaming limits.

“Every group I spoke to wanted to be in it,” Cobb said. “The biggest challenge…was figuring out how to fit all of these groups into an eight-hour stream.”

At 11 p.m. Thursday, the concert raised $5,085. Joy Avenue Media posted the whole concert on their Facebook page. Donations to the concert fundraiser can be made here until April 8.

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