Earlier today I received the below email from of the bands I have worked with, via the International Housing Program of the South by Southwest Music Festival, called TarantisT. The first year they attempted to visit the states to play, they were denied exit from Iran altogether, the US refusing to help them gain visas as well. Last year, they managed to make it out of the country but have been basically on the run from Iranian officials as they are seen as a threat for simply playing music. A few of the members have managed to stay in the US, living in California, but the other members of the band had to return to Iran. What they wrote today broke my heart, the idea of the hellish conditions they are being subjected to simply an pure outrage. They are trying to raise money to rescue the members trapped in Iran and bring them to the States.


Letter from TarantisT:


Iran’s government has beaten one of our band members badly in Iran so he can’t walk, also they threw tear gas to the basement the guys were practicing. Everybody now is in danger [like all the people in the country]. We need to save them as soon as possible, So we are asking for help to be able to afford their costs and bring them here as soon as possible. People can help by buying our songs/album on iTunes [our songs as compensation for your favors while you may don't like them] or donate us on our Paypal account. Would you please spread this word to the world and to the people or organizations that may help? Meanwhile other Iranian bands are in touch with us and they say that they are hiding all the time since Government is arresting dissidents and musicians. We want to help the other bands, too. But we need help, can’t do anything alone. We really would be thankful.


Your Iranian brothers,
TarantisT
Paypal donation:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=6294435
iTunes:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=289351689&s=143441


TarantisT
www.TarantisTs.com
www.myspace.com/TarantisTs
Contact us: tarantists@tarantists.com

Tags: band, fundraiser, Iran, Music, oppression, politics, TarantisT, war

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