In this time of war, amidst all the political debate and news reports, there is a sometimes-forgotten but heavily affected group: children.

A handful of island musicians are coming together to perform “Music of Peace: A Benefit for Iraqi Children” on Friday, August 8, 7:00 p.m. at Lopez Center. Admission is by donation, and all proceeds will go directly to relief organizations providing help for Iraqi children. The suggested donation is $10. Following the music there will be an hors d’oeuvre and dessert potluck with coffee and tea provided.

“Regardless of how you feel about the war, everyone can agree that children are the innocent victims. And I felt this was a positive thing I could do. And we’re giving the gift of beautiful music to the community,” said Becky Johnson, a pianist and horn player who organized the concert.

Johnson researched the many relief groups helping Iraqi children, and she settled on two organizations: the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Doctors Without Borders. Ninety percent of the money given to the IRC goes to its programs, and Doctors Without Borders allocates 87 percent to its services.

Johnson says the concert is not a political event and the music will be healing and positive. The musician line-up includes Marilyn Parmen from Orcas on string bass, Johnson on the keyboard, Celia Rosenberger on violin, Hawk Arps on vibes, singer-songwriter Sharon Abreu from Orcas, singer Rose Jeffries, Tom Jeffries on trumpet, and Ian Finneran on the violin.

Johnson and Parmen are both in the Island Symphonia Orchestra, and they will perform French baroque music with Rosenberger. “We’ll have a little gospel, a little folk, and baroque. Some of it’s very pensive, some of it’s lighthearted, and some of it’s joyous gospel,” commented Johnson.