In the aftermath of a tragedy, communities can find healing by remembering the past and strengthening community ties. This was the goal of the Luz de Vida, a concert and a compilation album created to honor the victims of the shooting that took place on January 8th, 2011. The tragic event claimed the lives of six Tucsonans and injured 19 more people, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. The original concert featured local musicians and sparked healing among those affected by this event. The Luz de Vida compilation album featuring original music from local and national artists is still available to stream.
This year, we continue the tradition of healing through community and music at Luz de Vida II, a compilation album, pop-up event, and benefit concert, hosted by JFCS of Southern Arizona, Homicide Survivors, Inc., and Many Mouths One Stomach (also known as the All Souls Procession).
Our community has seen an increase in homicides, and many are experiencing the traumatic loss of a loved one. JFCS, Homicide Survivors, Inc., and Many Mouths One Stomach are collaborating on Luz de Vida II to address the needs of families experiencing traumatic loss. Homicide Survivors, Inc. is a nonprofit victim assistance organization dedicated to meeting the crisis and long term needs of families of murder victims. JFCS of Southern Arizona is a nonprofit organization that offers trauma-informed counseling and social services to the entire community, including Project Safe Place that serves those who have been a victim of a crime. Many Mouths One Stomach (MMOS) produces the All Souls Procession Weekend, an annual community ceremony in celebration and mourning of the lives of our loved ones and ancestors.
The events of Luz de Vida II celebrate our cause through music and community events that benefit JFCS, Homicide Survivors, and the All Souls Procession. The Luz de Vida II compilation album is a vinyl record with local and national acts. One thousand records are available for purchase with all original music produced exclusively for Luz de Vida II. On September 10th, there is a pop-up gallery event at the MSA Annex. This free event features an acoustic performance from musician Naïm Amor and a silent auction featuring custom record players designed by local artists and fine art donated from DeGrazia Gallery and Daniel Martin Diaz.
This year marks ten years since the tragedy in 2011, and we commemorate this anniversary with a celebration of life, the Luz de Vida II Benefit Concert. The benefit concert takes place on Saturday, November 6th on the All Souls Procession weekend. This event, featuring local and national acts, will be a time for our community to come together and celebrate life. Proceeds will benefit JFCS, HSI, and MMOS to support community-based services for those in need.
For information on the album, events, and sponsorship opportunities, visit https://homicidesurvivorsinc.org/luz-de-vida/
