"SORREASY for Madagascar" Charity Concert a Great Success
On February 6, the club Students Taking Action Now Darfur (STAND) sponsored a concert to raise funds for food and medicine for the community of Mahajanga, Madagascar – SORREASY for Madagascar.
Members of the JCU community gathered in the Aula Magna Regina to enjoy a mixture of music and poetry performed by students, professors, and alumni.
JCU alumnus and musician Riccardo Vitalone recruited performers and organized performances for the evening.
“I decided to host this concert because last year’s “Sorreasy 4 Honduras” was a success and I had the possibility to go to Honduras to witness how much we achieved simply by putting together a concert and having some fun. I suggest having benefit concerts every month!”
Last year’s concert, also sponsored by STAND, helped raise funds for an orphanage in rural Nicaragua.
Handel Durham, a degree seeking student from Tennessee, began the concert singing and playing three original songs on guitar. Durham was joined by Erinn Matthews in singing, Nothing Can Change This Love by Sam Cooke. Ramzi El Rifai of Dubai took to the stage next. He covered songs by Swedish House Mafia and Coldplay and sang one original song. Art Mason, who studied abroad at John Cabot two years ago, presented two spoken word poems. Tariro Mzezewa from Zimbabwe and Erinn Matthews covered Summertime by Billie Holiday. First year degree seeking student, Christine Modaferri of Calabria covered Girl with One Eye by Florence and the Machine. Vitalone took to the stage with his guitar and covered The Black Eyed Peas and Jason Mraz, and also sang an original song. Professors Driessen and Lanzone, respectively on guitar and banjo, also joined the students onstage.
STAND president, Baylen Campbell said, “The event was a success and it’s always great to have so many people come out to support such a good cause.” The concert raised 500 euros, which will be matched by the University.
All proceeds from the concert will be delivered to Mahajangar by Vitalone with the organization he works for, Partners in Progress, which supports s development projects in rural Madagascar.
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