“We want to be sure to sell out,” said benefit organizer and local activist Sam Turton. “The situation needs a sellout. We want to raise that money.”

As of early this week, tickets were about half sold, but organizers are hoping people will open their wallets for a sellout show.

Following news of the earthquake that devastated Haiti on Jan. 12, Turton was approached about doing the benefit concert by Rev. Paul Clarkson. The United Church minister had wanted to raise money to help earthquake victims through his faith-based community, and he came to Turton to ask about whether there was already a benefit in the works.

Turton approached Ajay Heble, founder and artistic director of the Guelph Jazz Festival. Heble organized a local benefit for disaster relief five years ago when a tsunami devastated parts of south Asia.

The three decided to combine their efforts to hold a similar benefit concert, and the work began.

“It’s basically taken over our lives for this period of time,” said Turton of the effort required to pull together a show of this magnitude in a few short weeks.

The concert will feature a number of big name performers, including Kevin Breit, “literally one of the best guitar players in the world,” said Turton.

Another name that people might recognize is Jane Bunnett. The Juno Award winning jazz icon will be coming to Guelph to add her artistry to that of the other performers, said Turton.

There will also be 17 local performers –a group being dubbed “The Guelph Music Revue” –who will be combining their efforts.

“There’s so many great singers and players (locally),” said Turton. “We’re backing each other up.

The University of Guelph’s choirs will also back each other up. The University Chamber Choir and the University Women’s Choir will combine their voices for the event.

The concert organizers hope that the size of the performance will not only help to raise money, but also to raise awareness.

“The reason we’re putting on a concert is to bring people together so they can feel the magnitude of the problem,” said Turton.

“Even if you can’t make it, buy a ticket anyway and give it to somebody,” said Turton. “It’s a unique event.”

Proceeds from the event will go to the Red Cross’s disaster relief fund for Haiti.

The benefit concert is on Sunday Feb. 7 at 7 p. m. at River Run Centre. Call the box office at 519-763-3000.