Concert Across America To End Gun Violence Sells Out
The Concert Across America to End Gun Violence marquee at the Arlington Theatre came down on Sunday night after a sold out show.
The concert kicked off with Ozomatli performing songs by gun-violence victims including Selena and John Lennon.
Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins,Christopher Cross and Venice shared the stage with young musicians.
The concert got off to a late start due to security and remarks.
During the intermission Bob Weiss had a chance to speak out.
” When your 19 years old freshman daughter is shot and killed two blocks from campus walking down the sidewalk at 8 at night it throws your life in a direction you can never anticipate and the pain is with me every minute and my wife and two sons, who go to school up here, “said Weiss.
His only daughter Veronika was one of three students shot and killed during the Isla Vista Tragedy in May 2014. Three other students were stabbed to death in the killer’s apartment.
A few Montecito girlfriends came up with the idea for the concert. Soon they met weekly with a growing group of friends that included Tipper Gore.
Cristina Pizarro, one of the concert founders, said it’s too bad you can’t go to threaters, malls, or schools without fearing gun violence.
A silent auction that included a drum set and musical instruments signed by the artists raised money for a Santa Barbara gun buy back program.
Weiss said about 300 concerts nationwide were streamed live on the internet.
They were intended to raise awareness before election day.
Bob Weiss said John Lennon may be one of the most famous gun violence victim of the last century. He said the music was a tribute to all victims.
Weiss believes sensible solutions don’t have to take away rights.
Organizers say the concerts were held before election day as a reminder to get out and vote for people who won’t be afraid take up the issue.