Dengue Dever Concert benefits Cambodian Living Arts

Dengue Dever Concert benefits Cambodian Living Arts

Nimol Chhom - Photo Credit - Garage Bar Garage Bar [3]

Cambodian Living Arts [4], an NGO based in Phnom Penh, announced today that the Los Angeles-based band Dengue Fever [5], featuring Cambodian lead singer, Chhom Nimol [6], raised more than $7,500.00 (U.S.) for the organization during a sold-out concert at the Parkway Studios in the Cambodian capital last month.

The benefit concert was organized by Cambodian Living Arts (CLA), which is focused on reviving traditional Cambodian performing arts and supporting contemporary artistic expressions by providing teaching and performing opportunities to Master artists and nearly 300 students. Dengue Fever and CLA have had close ties since 2005 when the band performed in Cambodia, the first western band to perform Khmer rock in Cambodia since the fall of the Khmer Rouge.

“It is great to be working along side Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) again and raise money for such a fantastic NGO,” said Dengue Fever Bassist Senon Williams. “Dickon Verey, CLA’s President, has been a huge help to us and it just feels right to be involved with an organization that helps keep Khmer music and dance alive. We hope to come back to Cambodia and help CLA raise even more money in the not-too-distant future.”

The May 11, 2010 concert at Parkway Studios was a 700 capacity sell-out, which opened with Klap Ya Handz, a Khmer hip-hop group, followed by Cambodian Chapei Dang Weng master artist, Kong Nay and headliner Dengue Fever. The band opened their set with Kong Nay and included solo and duet performances with the Children of Bassac, Cambodian Living Arts’ emerging dance troupe. The benefit was also a success due to the support of Rubies Wine Bar, Studio 182, and Garage Bar who all generously donated time and services.

Dengue Fever is currently writing and recording new material for their next release.

ABOUT DENGUE FEVER
Dengue Fever is Cambodian songstress Chhom Nimol, Zac Holtzman (guitar/vocals), Ethan Holtzman (keyboards), Senon Williams (bass), Paul Smith (drums) and David Ralicke (horns). The band’s music has been featured in a number of film and television shows including City of Ghosts, Must Love Dogs, Broken Flowers, True Blood and twice on Showtime’s hit series, Weeds. They have released three albums, Dengue Fever, Escape From Dragon House Venus On Earth and the DVD/CD soundtrack to the band’s documentary Sleepwalking Through The Mekong, in addition to a collection of lost Cambodian classics, Dengue Fever Presents: Electric Cambodia. They are based in Los Angeles.