Musicians in tune with those in need

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Three Yakima brothers wanted to help earthquake victims in Haiti, but they didn’t know how.

They didn’t have the money to make much of a difference themselves, and they didn’t think going there would work. So the Wilkinson brothers, who play together as The Village Musicians, decided to host a benefit concert.

“Since we’re not going to Haiti, let’s do something here to help,” said 18-year-old drummer Riley Wilkinson, the oldest of the three.

That impulse became the Million Apples for Haiti benefit concert, set for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Capitol Theatre. It will feature an array of performers — The Village Musicians, “American Idol” contestant Kelly Bachran, members of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, and a chorus including Yakima Valley favorite Wayman Chapman — with proceeds going to build homes in Haiti.

The concert also serves as a kickoff for a broader campaign, through which 23 local organizations hope to sell 385 boxes of donated apples each. The proceeds from each set of 385 boxes sold will be used by aid organization Hope for the Hungry to help build a single home in Haiti.

“If we went to Haiti, we would only build maybe one house,” said 16-year-old singer-guitarist Landon Wilkinson. “This way, we are able to build 23.”

The apple sales will be used to raise most of about $185,000 that’s needed. A brochure publicizing the relief effort says the three-room, reinforced cement-block homes will be built with volunteer labor.

The brothers, who have performed together for two years with the goal of creating “music that inspires people to live better and love more freely with both God and each other,” collaborated with their parents, Cate and Russ Wilkinson, and Holtzinger Fruit president David Lawrence to plan the benefit.

Apple growers, packers and shippers throughout the Valley have donated fruit — 1,000 boxes of which will go to Haiti — while 9,000 more boxes will be sold to fund the home building.

The boys’ eyes light up when they talk about the impact this benefit can have.

“Every dollar is going straight to Haiti,” Landon said. “It’s all going down to help those who need it.”

Plus, it will be one of the biggest shows yet for The Village Musicians to showcase their original soft-rock songs, including a new collection that will be available in a limited edition of 300 CDs at the concert. Half the proceeds from sales of the CD, “Frequency,” will go to the cause, as will all profits from the concert.

Bachran is also excited about appearing at the benefit, a chance to use her “American Idol” experience as a platform to help a cause she is really passionate about. Besides that, it should also be a fun afternoon of music.

“People will be compelled to attend this because it will be a legitimate experience, not just for a good cause,” said Bachran, a Salem, Ore., resident who made it to Hollywood in this season’s show.

The Wilkinson brothers say they have been inspired by the support they have already received for the Million Apples for Haiti. It’s a practical way for people here to help, they said.

“A lot of people can’t fly to Haiti. It’s great to have the time and resources in Yakima to help this way,” Landon said, breaking into a smile. “So let’s do it.”

* Kathleen Dolan, 17, a senior at Sunnyside Christian High School, and Mayra Mora, 19, a senior at Eisenhower High School, were two of the 10 students to participate in 2010 Valley Workshop at the Yakima Herald-Republic March 19 and 20. The students did reporting, writing and photography under the guidance of professional journalists.

Benefit concert

* What: Million Apples for Haiti benefit concert

* When: 2 p.m. Sunday

* Where: Capitol Theatre, Yakima

* Admission: $10

* Info: www.thevillage musicians.com, or Cate Wilkinson, 509-853-3162 or catew@mac.com