Yazewpalooza: Great Music, Great Cause

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

What was YAZEWPALOOZA?

Music, philosophy, kindness and a plan. All FOUR of these walked the stage on January 22nd. This day marked the first annual Yazewpalooze, brought to you by Jimmy Legs and The Funk, and the mastermind behind it all, Sean Mitchell, and our local downtown watering hole Clancy’s. Sean Mitchell met Yazew while working at Sobeys shortly after moving back to Brandon in 2009. Yazew was one of those people Mitchell could tell had a story, and he would soon learn that this man, who never asked for help or a handout was an inspirational individual just looking to reconnect with his family.

Yazew, originally from Kenya is in the process of immigrating to Canada. He left his expectant wife at a refugee camp, because he knew she would be safer there than at home, with the full realization that he may never see her again. Two years later, Yazew came to Canada, and in June 2009 Yazew learned his wife and now two year old son were still alive.

Both Sean and Yazew have an avid love of photography, and that originally brought them together turned into a much deeper friendship. When Mitchell learned of Yazew’s plight, he knew he had to do something.

“I have to do something to help this guy.” Mitchell said, “He was working his ass off at Sobeys but still didn’t get enough hours.”

Mitchell knew of a job and recommended Yazew for it. He has been working 50 – 70 hours a week, before Yazewpalooza and had managed to save a few hundred dollars to bring his wife to Canada; the costs of which range around two thousand dollars.

Mitchell leads a busy life, as both the editor of The Black page, an online magazine for drummers, and member of Jimmy Legs and The Funk. His musical background soon led him to consider a benefit concert for Yazew and his family. Clancy’s was kind enough to donate a venue as well as any cover charge made at the door. Always a crowd pleaser, with their funky covers and lyric originals, Clancy’s was filled on January 22nd, and approximately one thousand dollars were raised to help reunite Yazew, his wife and the son he has never met.

Donations for Yazew can be made by contacting Sean or Jill at jimmylegsandthefunk@gmail.com or by visiting their website, . www.jimmylegsandthefunk.com After this rewarding experience Mitchell stated “In this day and age you have to make your own work, lets be the solution not the problem.” He stated that while people can donate to causes oversees and disasters that happen abroad this was an opportunity for people to see the direct impact they can have in a person’s life.

From Sean and Jimmy Legs and The Funk, a sincere thank you for supporting someone who never asked for anything and has lived his life trying to protect his family.