Live Aid, Farm Aid, the Concert for Bangladesh, the Concert for New York – rock ’n roll benefit shows are nothing new in 2010. Hell, between Live Earth, Rock for Roots and Shoots, Punks for Monks and the 0093 fundraiser for the victims of the Sichuan earthquake last year, charity shows aren’t really anything new in Shanghai either. But, on March 5, local promoters Three Chord Truth are taking over the Zhijiang Dream Factory for a good cause, presenting Dance for Haiti, a benefit to raise money for victims of the January 12 earthquake that rocked Port-au-Prince.

“The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the international community’s response to this disaster,” states TCT’s Nathaniel Mallon (pictured, left). “We’re keeping positive and hopeful in times of catastrophe, while recognizing the gravity of the situation. And all the ticket sales will go to aid, of course.”

The brainchild of Mallon and his TCT partner Carl Siegel (pictured, right), Dance for Haiti will feature the diverse musical stylings of local experimental quartet Duck Fight Goose, jam rock trio Weghur and “reggae” septet Lions of Puxi, as well as pop quartet Monroe Stahr, acoustic jazz trio Wayne’s Basement and rock / soul outfit Studio 188. Proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity and the One Foundation, both of which are currently heavily involved with Haitian relief.

“We want to help families find shelter right away, while also thinking of longer-term housing solutions,” says Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford. “Our goal is to put families into safe, durable transitional shelters that can be used for long periods and improved upon over time.”

In order to further their charitable message, Mallon and Siegel have enlisted digital giant TouchMedia, which is donating banner space on its countless screens around the city to promote the gig, and the Dream Factory management themselves, who will forgo their usual door percentage, adding to TCT’s overall donation.

“I was watching the news about the earthquake ... on TV, and I felt a needed to act,” says Siegel. “The Shanghai community responded with amazing support.”

While Three Chord Truth haven’t set any specific donation targets for Dance for Haiti, they recognize that every ¥100 ticket sold can potentially save someone’s life, or at least make coping a little easier, and all for the price of two drinks at Muse.

Personally, I’ve decided to donate all proceeds from this edition of The Beat to Haiti on behalf of Three Chord Truth. What about you?

The first three commentors on this post will receive free tickets to Dance for Haiti. Donation still appreciated.