A "Rays Of Hope for Gaza" fundraiser, featuring music, songs, poetry and theater, is set for 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Harris United Methodist Church, 20 S. Vineyard Blvd.

The event features master percussionist Souhail Kaspar of Los Angeles, Oud player/singer Rachid Halihal of New York, Qanoon player Anas Nasr and Hawai'i musicians.

There will be readings from the poetry of Mahmoud Darwish, and video of Gaza, including peace activist Ann Wright's recent trip to Gaza, will be shown.

Middle Eastern homemade mezes (snacks) will be available, and a silent auction featuring fair trade Palestinian Items begins at 5 p.m.

Tickets are $20 adults, $10 students, free for youth 12 and under. Proceeds support 501(c) 3 exempt organizations working in Gaza, including Islamic Relief, USA, Middle East Children's Alliance, and Palestine Children's Relief Fund.

Call 947-5828 for more information.

GRAMMY-NOMINEE KASPAR PERFORMS

Grammy-nominated Souhail Kaspar is known worldwide for his technique, rousing performances and teaching skills.

Born in Lebanon and trained at Nadi al-Fonun al-Arabia (Conservatory of Traditional Arabic Music) in Aleppo, Syria, he studied both classical and ethnic rhythmic patterns and techniques and received his degree in classical Arabic performance.

Kaspar has worked with legendary Egyptian composers Farid al-Atrash, Sayyad Makowi and Hanni Mehanna. He has traveled extensively during his career and has performed with artists John Bilezikjian, Kenny Burrell, Omar Faruk, Shujaat Khan, Kronos Quartet, Cheb Mami, Tito Puente, the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra, Sting and many others. He has also performed for dignitaries such as Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and the Dalai Lama.

His body of recorded work includes soundtrack credits for the movies "The Prince of Egypt" and "Sinbad" and for the documentaries "The Region of the Nile," "Darfur Now" and "The Great Bazaars." He has been featured as guest percussionist on the CD "Caravan" with the Kronos Quartet, "When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq" for the Smithsonian Institute (nominated for the 2008 Grammy Traditional World Music Category), and "The Congo Square Project" to provide relief funds for New Orleans musicians, Khaliji and Magic.