[One notable absence at last weekend’s Gulf Aid concert was Irma Thomas. She sent OffBeat the following email the Friday before the event.]

So no one would think I didn’t want to be a part of the Gulf Aid project, it is hard to help two causes on the same day.

I had booked and planned my event long before  the Gulf Aid event.

I am doing a Gospel program at The New Hope Baptist Church on Sunday to help The Nazareth Baptist Church get back into their sanctuary. They are now having church in their kitchen, so I am lending my voice to help them get flooring and pews, AC and anything else to get them into the sanctuary.

I hope my fans understand,

Irma Thomas