Think about where you live. Justin Lewis does.
Two years ago, the U of L junior got an eyeful of heartache when he traveled to Zacapa, Guatemala, with Hearts In Motion, a nonprofit group that helps impoverished families in Central and South America.
“It’s a full-blown third world country,” says Lewis, a sociology major. While in Zacapa, Lewis held a 2-year-old who weighed 20 pounds, and watched families try to survive in garbage dumps.
Two years later, these images haven’t left his head, and neither has his conviction.
So he’s going back, but to do it, he needs about $1,400. This Friday, Lewis, along with familiar singer-songwriters Teneia Sanders, Leigh Ann Yost and Hambone, as well as Weber and AOJ, will play at Zazoo’s (102 Bauer Ave., 894-8030).
A guitar signed by all the musicians will be raffled off, and all proceeds from that, merchandise and the cover charge help pay for Lewis’ trip.
Lewis plans to work in the city’s nutrition center, teaching English to kids and helping paint a new hospital for the city. Poverty still shocks him, but this time around, his trip is about action, not outrage.
“Last time, I was so in awe with what was going on, it was more trying to absorb all the poverty,” he says. “Now, I’ve grown up a little bit, so I’m really trying to focus on the people there. I know what to expect for the most part.”
Showtime is 8 p.m., admission is $5. More detailed information about Hearts in Motion is at www.heartsinmotion.org.
Mat Herron is LEO’s Music Editor, and thinks the Discovery Channel’s “Human Body” series is stellar. Contact him at [email protected]