People Serving People is cultivating connections in the Twin Cities community once again, through the power of song. The second annual Sounds Like Home benefit show is sure to be a philanthropic fiesta, with all proceeds dedicated to aiding homeless children in the area. On November 14 at the Triple Rock Social Club, local heroes Astronautalis, Night Moves, Strange Names, and Fort Wilson Riot will bring down the house as audience members rack up the donations. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.; tickets at the door will be $20.

For the past 30 years, People Serving People (PSP) has remained a source of relief and nourishment for struggling families in the state of Minnesota. The organization, based in downtown Minneapolis, serves as an emergency shelter but also offers an enormous range of on-site programs to promote stability and self-sufficiency. PSP’s event coordinator Mallory Haugen explains that the focal purpose of Sounds Like Home is education. PSP staff anticipate that the concert will allow them to reach a fresh audience and shed light on the tragic reality that family homelessness is on the rise. “Most people think of panhandlers, single men, what you see on the street. But the average age of a homeless person in Minnesota is actually six years old.”

When PSP approached Strange Names’ Liam Benzvi and Francis Jimenez about the prospective charity event, they eagerly hopped on board. “Communities are important to preserve and make sure they continue to thrive,” Benzvi reflects. “That’s what PSP is doing, so it’s good to be a part of that.” The dynamic duo attest to the notion that music serves as a thread, tying people together for a common cause. Jimenez thoughtfully remarks, “[Music] has always seemed like such a communal activity to me. When you play music alone, it’s great and can be therapeutic. But music just always seems like something you want to share.”

Alongside the electro-pop sounds of Strange Names are the psychedelic stylings of Night Moves, the progressive rock of Fort Wilson Riot, and the hip-hop of headliner Astronautalis. All of these artists have set down roots in the Twin Cities music scene and are banding together to better the place that sounds like home to us all.

Selena Carlson is currently tackling a double major in journalism and music business at Augsburg College. In addition to writing, she is an avid enthusiast of all things banjo; biking; and breakfast for dinner.