In the solemn context of recent executions of American and Allied citizens by ISIS, the annual and international Daniel Pearl World Music Day concerts honoring the Wall Street Journal writer - beheaded by Al-Qaeda in 2002 - resonate more than ever.

After Pearl's death, his family and friends established a foundation to promote cross-cultural understanding through journalism, music and innovative communications. This year's Daniel Pearl World Music Day concerts take place Sunday, and the Bean & Leaf Cafe in New London will host participatory sets from Dana Takaki and Bruce Thorndike, Willoughby Gap, Gaetano, Goden Ratio, Bruce McDermott, The Carolans, and Magpie. The concert was organized by the Shoreline Acoustic Music Society.

The foundation emphasizes that all of the Pearl concerts are to raise awareness and are not fundraisers.

- RICK KOSTER

Daniel Pearl World Music Day, 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Bean & Leaf Cafe, 463 Bank St., New London; free; (860) 701-0000.