Launching their own version of Band Aid, young musicians from all over the Issaquah School District put on a show on the Plateau on Thursday night to raise money for Red Cross’ efforts in Haiti.

Organized by a hardworking and generous group of Issaquah High School students and supported by their friends and peers at neighboring schools, Rock For Haiti celebrated the incredible creative energy that exists in Issaquah and Sammamish, and the potential for this creative energy to do great things in the community.

Featuring local bands and rappers Nightmare Control Panel, MC Attle and Petey Sosa, Question of The Ages, Fit For Hounds, and Blunderbear, Rock For Haiti was supported by hundreds of students who paid their five bucks at the door to see some great music and also see the people of Haiti continue their long and difficult recovery following the earthquake there in January.

In addition to the five main acts, other talented student musicians put on sets of their own on an acoustic stage in between bands to keep the crowd entertained. On Thursday night, everywhere you looked there was music and generosity.

Issaquah High School student, photographer Kendall Paulsen, was right in the middle of the fun and shot some great pictures of the bands in action for The Reporter. For more of Kendall’s stunning work, check out her Web site at kendallpaulsen.com.

According to senior Maria Tilden, one of the Rock For Haiti organizers, the event raised more than $2,000.

“We are so thankful for everyone that was involved,” she said. “The event required a huge group effort and it was so rewarding to see how willing everyone was to invest their time and skills to honor Haiti. We’d especially like to thank the Issaquah Booster Club for their support and Barefoot Contingent for graciously putting on such an impressive performance at the end.”