Concert for a Cause to raise funds for Syrian refugees

Enjoy an evening of music with Bassel & The Supernaturals to help raise funds for Syrian refugees. This "Concert for a Cause" will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in downtown Elgin. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $15; group tickets of 10 or more are available for $12 each. For tickets, visit www.fumcelgin.org or call (847) 741-0038.

A portion of the concert proceeds will go to the Karam Foundation in support of people living in Syrian tent cities.

Based in Chicago, Syrian-American soul singer Bassel Almadani brings a humanitarian message through the funky and mellow grooves played by his multi-piece band, Bassel & The Supernaturals, that includes horns, keys, bass, guitar and drums. The band was featured in Austin, Texas, at the 2016 and 2017 South by Southwest Festival.

As he translates his grief into soul, funk, and activism, Bassel's heartfelt music connects neighbors while teaching about the plight of Syrian refugees. By combining his concerts with informal question-and-answer sessions, where no question is "out of bounds", Bassel discovered he could help those in the United States connect with people profoundly affected by war half a world away.

Even before starting work on their newest release, "Elements," dedicated to tragedies in Almadani's life, including the murder of his cousin, the destruction of his home, and the sudden death of the band's bassist, Bassel & The Supernaturals were on the road giving concerts at universities and churches in an effort to raise awareness about what is happening in Syria.