Amplify Peace: Saving Syrian Lives with Omar Offendum/Bassel & the Supernaturals/Kayem/Ronnie Malley & Turath Ensemble/DJ Bella Loki

Bassel Almadani, the singer who fronts the Chicago-based soul/funk group Bassel and the Supernaturals, has deep ties to Northeast Ohio. Born and raised in Kent, he blossomed as a songwriter here, where he regularly attended shows. After moving to Chicago a few years ago, he started listening to the music of Otis Redding, Al Green, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder; their “emotionally saturated” music inspired him to put together his own damn band, Bassel & the Supernaturals. As a first-generation Syrian-American — his parents were born and raised in Aleppo — he’s particularly troubled by the crisis happening in the country. Now, his band along with Omar Offendum, Kayem, Ronnie Malley & Turath Ensemble and DJ Bella Loki has embarked on the Amplify Peace Tour: Saving Syrian Lives. Sponsored by the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), tonight's concert aims to “increase awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Syria and help gather support and resources to save the lives of Syrians affected by war.” (Niesel)