'LET MY PEOPLE SING... AGAIN' SECOND ANNUAL ARTS FESTIVAL SPOTLIGHTS DARFUR SUFFERING.

Byline: HOLLY J. ANDRES

Staff Writer

Musicians, singers and dancers from around the world will gather together for a five-day arts festival designed to raise public awareness on the plight of ethnic groups in Darfur, Sudan.

"Let My People Sing ... Again" is the second-annual event produced by San Fernando Valley-based singer-songwriter-record producer Craig Taubman.

The March 7-11 festival will include six programs in various locations across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

"Our goal is to bring awareness. We can do it here, and we are obligated to do it," said Taubman, who also is known for his musical involvement with two Jewish Shabbat services, "Friday Night Live" and "One Shabbat Morning."

Both are held regularly at Temple Sinai in Los Angeles and Adat Ari El Synagogue in Valley Village.

Taubman was asked at last year's Passover-timed festival to develop an event as a fundraiser for humanitarian projects implemented by Encino-based Jewish World Watch.

The "Seder for Darfur" proceeds were used to fund construction of water wells in the western region of Sudan that has been in turmoil since 2003. Among other efforts, Jewish World Watch has built two medical clinics and donated solar cookers to refugee centers in Darfur.

Taubman has designated that this year's festival will benefit Jewish World Watch's mission to help stop genocide and other atrocities in Darfur and around the world.

"I want people to leave (the events) with an 'I can' attitude. I can make a difference," Taubman said. "No, we're not going to change the world in one day. But we can make a start."

The personable Taubman could concentrate his time with his concert appearances and his independent record label Craig 'n' Co., which produces CDs of contemporary Jewish music by assorted musicians and singers.

But he said tikkun olam -- or repairing the world -- is one of his priorities.

"If you had to do something tomorrow, next week, next month, next year -- and not get paid -- what would it be? That's what you have to commit yourself to," Taubman said. "I know that on some level, it's making a difference."

This year's "Let My People Sing ... Again" events include: "Freedom Song," a Passover-themed play based on true stories from addicts, and Faith Jam '07, a concert with Muslim, Jewish and Christian artists from around the world.

It also will include a Friday Night Live Shabbat service; a Shabbat morning service with Jewish recording artist Debbie Friedman; a sing-along with cantors and a 200-member choir and an evening of contemporary Israeli dance and music.

The major fundraiser to benefit Jewish World Watch will be Voices of Hope at The Brandeis-Bardin Institute in Simi Valley. The event will include performances by Theodore Bikel, Jason Alexander, Pharaoh's Daughter and Taubman.

"It was an incredible, moving, spiritual and entertaining event that raised $100,000," said Tzivia Schwartz-Getzug, executive director of Jewish World Watch, recalling the "Seder for Darfur." "When Jews say 'never again,' that applies for any community. But we all have to stand up and be counted."

Acknowledging that people could be overwhelmed with appeals for donations to many causes, Schwartz-Getzug said, however, that simple acts like e-mailing the United Nations or President George W. Bush could help the desperate situation in Darfur.

"You can speak to your community group, your Girl Scout troop, your church. For $30 dollars, you can purchase two solar cookers for one family. The solar cooker (campaign) can empower women who are subject to attack and rape when they go looking for firewood," Schwartz-Getzug said. "Individuals can do a lot, and if we all do something together, we can make an impact."

"Voices of Hope" concert, 7:30p.m. March 10, The Brandeis-Bardin Institute, 101 Peppertree Lane. Admission: $75-$100. Tickets in advance from Jewish World Watch, call [phone] or www.jewishworldwatch.org. For more information, go to www.letmypeoplesing.com.

holly.andres(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

Tzivia Schwartz-Getzug and Craig Taubman are ready for the "Let My People Sing" festival to benefit Jewish World Watch.

John Lazar/Staff Photographer