The Volunteers for Ethiopian Orphans will hold a benefit concert to raise money for Ethiopian orphans April 5 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at New Amsterdam on the Cumberland Avenue "strip."

The group plans to travel to Ethiopia this summer to make donations to orphanages in person. All profits raised by the benefit concert will be used exclusively to help orphans.

Since the University of Tennessee's spring recess is Friday, April 6, students will be able to enjoy the concert and help others at the same time without risk of being too tired to attend classes the next day. 

Several local musicians have offered up their talents for the cause.

Mac Comer, otherwise known as "your local hippie dude," is a singer and guitarist that can be seen at Preservation Pub, Downtown Grill and Brewery and other local bars several times a month. At the benefit concert, Mac Comer will perform with his band, featuring lead guitarist Matt Dolland. 

Dolland, for one, can't wait for the show. "It'll be great to jam with friends like always, and help out at the same time. We're excited to do it," he said.

To add to the mix, local rappers O.Z., the Drofessor, and Salvador Ali and the Persian Mafia will be at the mic while Amsterdam D.J. Corey spins the beats. 

As is usual at New Amsterdam, ladies will be admitted free, although donations are encouraged and gratefully accepted. The cost for guys is $6 at the door.

For more information visit the Volunteers for Ethiopian Orphans' Web site at http://web.utk.edu/~veo/contact.html or call (865) 384-1727.