The very first PazFest, held 10 years ago, attracted more than 400 people, and more than 50 musicians participated. On September 2-6, PazFest returns with a tribute to Joni Mitchell in efforts to raise money for the Ruth Paz Foundation, which is committed to making adequate health care available to those who can’t receive health care through the efforts of their family.
Michael Paz, president of the foundation and son of Ruth Paz, along with Amtrak is sponsoring PazFest II, which returns to the Howlin’ Wolf, the site of the first event. “Joni Mitchell is one of the greatest modern composers of our time. Her music is widely regarded by so many other artists, it is easy to find people who are willing to do a tribute to her. It seems to be very popular with audiences as well,” Paz says.
This time, there will be a preview at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art during “Ogden After Hours” on Thursday, September 2, then on Friday night will be the New Orleans tribute to Mitchell with a diverse line-up that includes Randy Jackson of Zebra, members of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Alex McMurray, and many, many more. Donations start at a minimum of $20 and all proceeds benefit the foundation.
Ruth Paz was a Detroit, Michigan native who devoted her life to helping people who were in need until she passed away in 1996. She had a special desire to help the underprivileged children of Honduras, where her family originated. In the past, that often meant bringing children of Honduras to the United States to receive treatment because of the lack of services and facilities there.
The foundation is in its last stages of building and equipping a burn unit for children that is slated to open in Leonardo Martinez Hospital in San Pedro Sula in October 2010. “All children have the right to receive adequate health care,” is the foundation’s motto, and the unit will deliver health care services to patients regardless of ability to pay.
For more information, go to RuthPaz.com.
