University
singers and musicians gathered
on Wednesday evening to help a
fellow student in need.
"Songs for Change," a benefit
concert held in Neville Hall,
featured several student singing
groups and soloists, including
the Steiners and Renaissance a
capella groups. The event turned
out to be a financial and
artistic success.
The concert was put together by
Wilde Stein, UMaine's alliance
for sexual diversity, in support
of Claire Folsom, a
transgendered student who is
facing a financial burden while
trying to move to Florida for
her internship with the Walt
Disney Company. After denying
her entrance into their female
dorms, Disney is requiring
Folsom to pay more money for a
double-single room in order to
keep her internship.
Matthew Small, adviser for Wilde
Stein, came up with the idea of
a benefit concert, and asked
several singers and groups to
participate. There was an
overwhelming response to
Folsom's situation. Many
students sang selections from
Broadway musicals: Nester
Gonzalez sang "In Your Eyes," a
song from the popular musical
Rent. Chris Libby sang a
selection from the musical "On a
Clear Day, You Can See Forever."
Becky Guilford performed the
famous Les Miserables song "I
Dreamed a Dream."
After a short intermission, it
was time for some pop music.
Show host and creator Matthew
Small sang some original songs,
alongside guitarist Steven
Barter. The newly-formed group
Bear Vocals sang a capella
versions of Top 40 hits "Bad
Day" by Fuel and Eurythmics
"Sweet Dreams." The all-female
group Renaissance performed some
songs, including "Come on
Eileen." The Steiners rocked the
house with Huey Lewis's "Hip to
Be Square."
Despite the poor choice of a
concrete classroom, "Change" had
a laid-back, cheerful ambiance,
and Small's narratives were
humorous transitions between
acts. A large turnout of friends
and generous students helped to
create a positive and
appreciative vibe.