The Epicure Café in Fairfax has a well-earned reputation for bringing in top-notch, talented musicians and singers to entertain its customers. But on Sunday, Sept. 23, this restaurant/music venue along Lee Highway also drew a crowd because it hosted the Concert across America to End Gun Violence.
Organized by Jean White and emceed by musician and former teacher Ron Goad, it was part of a coordinated effort throughout the U.S. to remember the victims of gun violence and to send a message to elected officials that “thoughts and prayers” aren’t enough – they must take action to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.
“This effort is not anti-gun,” said White, who belongs to two groups against gun violence and organizes monthly vigils outside NRA headquarters in Fairfax. “This is about turning down the hateful rhetoric often associated with the gun debate and using music to raise voices in a positive way to focus on change – because 35,000 gun deaths a year [in America] is just not acceptable.”
CONCERTS were held throughout the country between Sept. 20-30, and this one was held two days before the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. Sponsoring it were the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Northern Virginia Chapter; Virginia Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, Concerned Citizens against Gun Violence; and the Reston Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence.
“We are here because gun violence is a horrible scourge on this country,” said Martina Leinz, Northern Virginia president
