This Sunday night at the Sunset, our favorite septet's frontman Matt Bishop will be headlining a benefit show with Carrie Biell -- and you have simply got to be there. It'll be the best ten dollars you'll spend, like, ever. Because the proceeds from the night will be going to send local humanitarianismist (and the show's opener) Loryn Kezer to Africa, where she's heading to do volunteer work in rural areas of Tanzania. Locals doing good + sweet indie-pop playing a role in helping to heal world? We were so impressed by the whole effort that we just had to know more -- so we sat the two of them down last week to talk about it.

Imaginary Victoria: So, who hatched this plan? Tell me how everything came about.

Loryn Kezer: I hatched it, with great encouragement from friends. Apparently, when one is planning a self-funded humanitarian mission, it's ridiculous not to do some fundraising. But I'm terrible at out-and-out asking for help -- so I figured I'd try to provide a little entertainment in exchange for people's dollars. Carrie and Matt are both incredible musicians and really good friends of mine who generously agreed to play the show pro bono.

IV: And when's the trip?  How much are you trying to raise?

LK: The end of March -- less than five months away! I've been pinching pennies for a year, so I'm prepared to pay my way and cover my ass while I'm in Africa. But beyond that, I'd like to be able to purchase what medical and educational supplies are needed at the places I'll be working. Bascially, I'm hoping to raise any amount of money I can. An extra fifty, hundred, five hundred bucks can (and will) go a long way.

IV: Can you talk a bit about what you want to do in Africa -- what your goals are, and the personal significance of this project? How did the idea to do this (the trip, as opposed to the show) come to you?

LK: I've always had this incessant humanitarianism itch -- as a kid, I dropped my allowance in the red Salvation Army bucket at Christmas time, every year. Africa's been on the top of my "must-go, must-help" list for a decade, since I last worked internationally, in India. I gave up on finding a job that might get me there, you know -- no master's in public health or medical degree here! And I decided to make it happen on my own. So I'm going to volunteer at three (maybe more) local nonprofit organizations in rural areas of Tanzania, where I'll be contributing to efforts in health-care, child services, and education rights and access. The plan continues to unfold as we speak...

I'm calling the project "Keys to Africa." Clever name, eh? Since my last name is Kezer and my buds call me "Keys?" And by clever I obviously mean incredibly dorky... in either case, there's more info at my website, www.keystoafrica.com.

IV: And how did Matt get involved in this?

LK: He's my love-slave and will do whatever I ask. Wait, maybe you shouldn't publish that...

Matt Bishop: I'm her love-slave and will do whatever she asks.

IV: (laughter) And Matt, what should we expect from you at the show -- Hey Marseilles tracks, solo work, covers, or all of the above?

MB: All of the above!

IV: Speaking of, how's the world of Hey Marseilles? The last tour was a success and you've had a few local shows since you've been back -- what's the next chapter looking like? Recording? Another tour?

MB: The world of Hey Marseilles is great. We've really been focusing on new material for a new record, which we're planning to start recording very soon. We might have a couple Seattle shows in the near future to try out some of the new songs, but we're very much trying to keep our nose to the grindstone.

IV: From the solo tracks that made an appearance on your MySpace page, right around the time of your spot at the Tractor earlier this year -- tell me, how big is this solo thing for you? Is it a forum for you to get your arms around new material, or an outlet for non-Hey Marseilles music, or an entire separate brand of Matt Bishop altogether?

MB: It's primarily a way for me to approach songwriting and performance from a different perspective, with the idea that it will strengthen what I bring to the table for Hey Marseilles. I'm still much more comfortable sharing the stage with 6 handsome men.

IV: Loryn, so far as sharing the stage -- tell me about your career and this moment of 'coming out of retirement' that we've all heard about (and are very much looking forward to)? Will anyone be accompanying you on stage? What kind of instrument do you weild, outside of your vocals?

LK: I stopped playing music anywhere but my living room about two-ish years ago, once I came to terms with the fact that I'm actually not very good at it. I bang on keys and sing -- but only alone, because I'm terrified of playing with other musicians, for fear that I'll instantly be outed as a severe amateur. But I figure if I'm asking people to extend themselves by donating to "the cause," I can step outside of my own comfort zone for a night and sing a few diddies.

IV: And what else -- oh, what's the cost on Sunday, and how can people get tickets?

LK: $10, at the door. I recommend that folks show up a bit before 9, because the show will start in a timely manner so I can get my old lady ass to bed at a reasonable hour. And contrary to what you may of heard, no, there will not also be a wet t-shirt contest. Unless I "accidentally" spill my drink all over Matt's chest.

{Matt, Carrie and Loryn will be gracing the stage at the Sunset in beautiful downtown Ballard this Sunday, November 14th. As noted, the show is 21+ / $10 at the door. Fingers crossed for our favorite INXS cover... seriously.}