Hello,
This is Matt (the bass playah) just letting everyone know that the benifit concert against violence is this coming thursday. The show starts with a silent auction followed by guest speakers, a short film and live music. Also, Padmanadi Restaurant & Planet Organic will be providing the grub. This event has very much personal significance for Natalya, I thought I would post her written introduction from www.bettykozak.com.



"On June 14, 2005, an Edmonton woman was allegedly murdered in her own home. She was only 50 years old, and despite being partially confined to a wheelchair due to illness with MS, she was full of life, laughter and love. She was a daughter, a sister, a friend. Her name is Betty May Kozak, and she was my Mother.

It is impossible to put into words the deep sadness and anger that my two brothers and I feel in the wake of this tragedy. We are only in the beginning of our lives. I, Natalya was 24 when she was killed; my brothers Chris and Paul, 22 and 19 respectively. I don't know if the feeling of emptiness will ever go away.

I don't know how the process of healing works, other than it will take a long time. My brothers and I, we each have a different way of dealing with this pain. One way I feel I can help myself is to try and make sure this never happens again. Though I know this is impossible, I can try to make a difference.

Police allege that Betty Kozak was not murdered randomly. Last year there were 20 Edmonton women and children whose lives were taken away by the hands of a significant other. This contributes to the statistic that Edmonton has one of the highest murder rate per capita across North America in 2005 for domestic and family-related deaths. This is incredibly sickening problematic and needs to be addressed.

As a result of this, I have partnered up with the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters (ACWS) to create a daylong event to educate and bring awareness to this often socially neglected issue.

The Betty Kozak Memorial Concert Against Violence will take place in Bellevue Hall (7308 112ave) in Edmonton on Thursday, June 15, 2006. On Friday, June 16 there will be hosted a Fundraising Dinner and Honorarium. These events will be on behalf of my mother, Betty May Kozak and and on behalf of all victims of violence.

ACWS and I would like to see an end to violence and abuse. It's time we raise attention to this matter. Edmonton has one of the highest rates of domestic abuse and related deaths in the country. This has got to come to an end. Please join us in volunteering, donation, and in attendance. It's not too late to create a violence-free city, country and world."



Thursday,June 15th, 2006 at the Bellevue Community Hall, 7308-112 Ave, Edmonton.

Tickets are $10 in advance, (available at Blackbyrd Myoozik (10442-82 Ave)
or call (780) 432-7408 or $15 at the door.

This event will benefit The Alberta Council of Women's Shelters. www.acws.com