In search of peace and respect for human rights in Venezuela, musicians around the world have teamed up to offer free concerts through "Venezuela SOS" and are coming to Philadelphia this weekend for a performance that will raise a united protest.

The tour will kick off its first concert in Philadelphia next Sunday, May 18, at 7:30 PM in Mitten Hall, located at 1913 North Broad Street in Temple University. The second concert will be held on Thursday, June 5, at 7:00 PM in the New York Society for Ethical Culture's auditorium, located near the Lincoln Center in New York.

"It is important that the government of Venezuela and the world understand that peace can not be found through violence and oppression. Peace is constructed in a society where tolerance and dialogue help to overcome differences," the coalition said in a statement.

For members of this initiative, there is no influence for peace more powerful than music. For this reason, Venezuela SOS committed to summoning musicians in cities around the world, using talent as an instrument for peace and the genuine love for people crying out for justice.

Some of the musicians involved in the project include Paquito D'Rivera, Vanessa Perez, Carlos Izcaray, Gabriela Montero, Efrain Amaya, Luigi Mazzocchi, Ricardo Lorenz, Luis Biava, Manena Contreras, Icli Zitella, Simon Gollo and Jan Wagner, among others.

"We especially welcome contributions from Venezuelan musicians studying in the United States who have shown solidarity with the student movement against  government repression and the serious human rights which they have suffered, just for exercising their legitimate right to nonviolent gatherings and peaceful protest," he added in the statement.

For more information about this movement, programming and guest artists, follow these social networks: 

Twitter (in English): @SOSVEConcerts

Twitter (en español): @ConciertoSOSVE

Facebook: SOS Venezuela Concerts

Instagram: SOSVenezuelaConcerts

YouTube: SOSVenezuelaConcerts