Concert to benefit Afghan refugees to be held locally

On Saturday, January 15th, Trinity Episcopal Church will be opening its doors for a benefit concert to aid Afghan refugees. John Austin is a member of the governing board for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan. He has been tasked with helping raise funds for a non-governmental organization called Episcopal Migration Ministries. It is one of six helping Immigration and Naturalization Services resettle Afghans brought to the United States last summer.

Austin says no refugees are scheduled to move into the area at this time.

There will be no charge for the concert, and staff are taking COVID precautions, including requiring masks and distanced seating. There will be several performers covering a range of genres, anything from bluegrass to brass.

Austin counts Jared Anderson, MTU’s Choir Director as a friend. He is also excited to have Dean and Bette Premo involved.

A free will offering will be collected during the performances.