Tsunami Benefit Concert

Nature has no conscience; that's where art comes in. The land and lives of southeast Asia have been ravaged and will never be restored, no matter how many telethons, Oprah pleas or rock-concert benefits. But the latter have become a part of the pop tradition now, as familiar as reverb and groupies, and only the most self-absorbed punk would scoff at the good intentions. As financial gestures go, a fundraising concert at the Schlafly Tap Room will never approximate the Concert for Bangladesh, but the participants and sponsors have contributed just as much heart and far less ego to the event. The lineup covers a healthy cross section of the St. Louis scene, from the atmospheric indie rock of organizer Rebecca Ryan's longtime band, Languid, to the jammy Dogtown Allstars (who also moonlight as Gumbohead) to the open-minded groove of Urban Jazz Naturals, to the obscure twang of Hillbilly Thursday and the perky pop of Celia. No cause could be more daunting or vital than tsunami relief; no benefit could be more genuine, enjoyable or worthy.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10; all proceeds benefit tsunami relief; call 314-484-0387 for more information.