MISSION: Southwest Research and Information Center is a multi-cultural organization working to promote the health of people and communities, protect natural resources, ensure citizen participation, and secure environmental and social justice now and for future generations

Thank You Devendra Banhart!

Southwest Research and Information Center (SRIC) would like to thank Devendra Banhart for having a special benefit concert to support our uranium work. The concert was held at the Sunshine Theatre in downtown Albuquerque on October 9, 2007. SRIC had an information table at the concert, and some of the fans picked up copies of Voices from the Earth, signed up for mailing and emailing lists, and discussed efforts to stop uranium mining on Indian lands.

Devendra Banhart is an indie folk rock singer, songwriter, musician, and poet. During his performance Devendra demonstrated a wonderful ability to keep the audience excited and engaged with his energetic and eclectic folk songs, which led concert-goers to dance around the floor. He also showed his ability to reach out to his fans. For example, at one point in the concert, Devendra asked if anyone had written a new song. As hands went up, and a guy named Ben was chosen from the crowd and invited to come onstage and perform his folk song. This not so simple act showed why Devendra has such a loyal fan base, and why he appeals to a wide range of age groups.

After the concert, Devendra took the opportunity to come to our table to talk to us about our work and personally hand us a large donation. We talked about how the U.S. tour was going, and his European tour plans for November. Devendra also took the opportunity to get on our mailing list so we can keep him updated on our work.

SRIC would also like to thank the Guacamole Fund, Dean Correa, and Devendra’s fans for their support.

He recently celebrated the release of his fifth album, "Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon," on September 25, 2007. You can learn more about Devendra Banhart at www.devendrabanhart.com.

You can also read more about him on the Los Angeles Times website: www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-ca-banhart9sep09,1,3864533.story.