“MUSIC FOR LIFE” CONCERT
Ida Berresheim, CSJ
A 40-mile an hour El Paso wind may have kept the group small; but about 70 appreciative listeners formed an enthusiastic audience on April 9, 2008, at Club 101 to hear Sara Hickman and Mayor John Cook give fine musical performances. The event, sponsored by El Pasoans Against the Death Penalty (EPADP) was one of twelve concerts being presented by Sara to support the work of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP). Carmen Velazquez and Gloria Espinoza, who continue to suffer the consequences of murders of close family members, both gave testimony about these traumatic events. At the same time they spoke with deep conviction about their stance against the death penalty.
Bob Van Steenberg, a practiced master of ceremonies, and his wife, Jean, attend and assist with the organization of each concert for the twelve Texas cities. Bob’s brief presentation about the work of TCADP and his introductions to the performers and speakers helped reinforce the mission and activities of the two organizations. In an attempt to “spread the word” a table with literature, t-shirts and other sale items with messages against the death penalty drew the attention of many of the concert goers.