 |
| Young people and artists in Hue performed at a charity concert |
The first event was “Sing with Next Step band” at Be Cafe, a familiar venue for jazz lovers in the Ancient capital. On the same rustic stage and through the same melodies that ring out every Saturday night, but this time, every contribution from the audience, no matter how small, carried a message of sharing for the people in South Central provinces.
In a warm atmosphere, the Next Step band delivered a performance full of emotion, interspersed with spontaneous jam sessions where the audience interacted with the band. It was more than just music; it was a gathering of hearts for a wounded Central region. Carrying that same spirit, Hon Viet Event organized the concert “Rise For Central” as part of the music project “H.U.É - When beauty resonates”.
Upon witnessing the damage after the floods, the team almost immediately launched the program. Nguyen Dai Long, one of the three founders of Hon Viet Event, shared: “At that moment, we felt we could not just stand by. We wanted to do something practical to help the people, and music is the most meaningful way that we can contribute our voice.”
Preparation took only five days, from selecting songs and building the stage to carrying out communications work and calling for sponsors. Despite the rush, every artist, who was invited, agreed instantly. Joining hands with the program were Hue City Young Entrepreneurs Association, Hue Agency, Aeon Mall, and various businesses and restaurants,… all proactively connected by Hon Viet. “Every performance was tied to the thought that it could provide additional support for those in need,” added Long.
 |
| Hue audience immersed themselves in the music |
Bui Thong Nhat Phuc, a member of the organizing committee, said that the idea for the concert stemmed from a desire to use music to connect the community. “When I was invited to join, I said yes immediately because this is truly a meaningful activity. Helping each other does not always require something grand; sometimes it is just a song, a ticket, or a moment of standing together to share.”
As it is an entirely non-profit activity, the team faced many shortages: the workforce consisted mainly of volunteers, and the budget was limited. Every element, from sound and lighting to backdrops and communication, had to be meticulously calculated. However, these difficulties only highlighted the solidarity among the youth. “Some contributed labor, some provided equipment, and some only gave small donations but with great sincerity. As long as you start with sincerity, you will always find companions,” shared Phuc.
Though held in different venues with different scales and organizational methods, both concerts shared a common spirit: when difficulties strike, music becomes the bridge for young people in Hue to come together to share and support. Without being told, everyone contributed their small part. From the bands, the organizers, the volunteers to the audience, everyone chose to stand with the regions struggling through natural disasters.
The common thread among these charity concerts is that they were all organized and performed by young music lovers in the Ancient Capital. They were also affected when Hue was submerged in floods, but as soon as the city stabilized and after learning that people in the South Central region suffering natural disasters, they chose to use what they do best - music - to help their compatriots.
These concerts may have been small, but they succeeded in connecting many hands and acts of kindness, helping to soothe the pain and lift one another up in life.