*Zamboanga: Poverty, War, Music CD Release Concert* Yardley Hall

Sunday evening I attended the Zamboanga: Poverty, War, Music CD Release Concert at Yardley Hall.

Zamboanga: Poverty, War, Music is a CFCA (Christian Foundation for Children and Aging) documentary film, set to be released in Spring 2010, that chronicles the lives of 12 teenagers in Zamboanga City, Philippines as they learn, practice, prepare and perform a concert for 10,000 people at the edge of the Philippine jungle.

The concert celebrated the release of the CD, Zamboanga: Poverty, War, Music, which includes songs inspired by the CFCA Documentary Film and written by Barclay Martin. Featured in the concert were the Barclay Martin Ensemble, along with the Sampaguita Choir and the Sinag-Tala Dance Troupe from the Filipino Cultural Center of the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City, as they performed songs from the CD. The Barclay Martin Ensemble includes Mark Lowrey on piano, Giuliano Mingucci on drums and percussion, Rick Willoughby on bass and vocals, and singer/songwriter Barclay Martin on guitar and vocals. Special guest vocalists Shay Estes, Erin McGrane and Vi Tran joined the ensemble on stage Sunday evening.

What a moving, inspirational, and beautiful concert it was. I have always believed music has the power to change this world. In a country that is ridden with poverty and war, music helped bring together a community as 12 kids overcame their obstacles and performed a concert that will, thanks to CFCA, reach millions. I will be anxiously awaiting the release of the documentary film Zamboanga: Poverty, War, Music.

Click here to view slideshow

I would encourage everyone who loves music and helping others who are less fortunate to purchase a CD of the music from the documentary film. A $15 suggested donation for the CD goes towards CFCA's scholarship fund. It is a win-win situation; you purchase a CD with 10 beautiful, inspiring songs for you to listen to and enjoy, while your donation helps poverty-stricken children attend school when they otherwise would not be able to.

Click here to read more about the documentary and to purchase a CD

Click here to watch the Barclay Martin Ensemble perform "One by One" live at the concert

Congratulations to Barclay Martin and the Ensemble, CFCA, and everyone behind the documentary film Zamboanga: Poverty, War, Music. It was a beautiful evening, and my daughter and I are still enjoying listening to the CD over and over : )

Kalingkawasa kapit-os hangtud tanaan
Until we all are free from poverty...