SPOTLIGHT: Support this two in one concert for a cause

By Katie Williams
Collegian Editor
April 12, 2006

Looking for a place to hear quality music and support a great cause? Then look no further. On Thursday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m., Students for a Free Tibet will be teaming up with BackPAC to put on a benefit concert in the Ballroom to support its worthy cause. Lhundup, a former Buddhist monk who is currently in exile from Tibet, will be speaking at the concert. Spotlight! caught up with Melody Gardot to find out more about the concert.

Spotlight: How did you get involved with Students for a Free Tibet?

Melody Gardot: When I began to get involved in music, I stumbled onto the Guchusum Movements page online. I cried reading the stories about political prisoners and their struggle to survive. I never knew about it. I probably went to bed at around 6 a.m. because I spent the entire night reading each monk’s story. One link led to another, and I eventually found SFT.com. When the idea for putting together a benefit show came about, I immediately contacted them, and we began planning this event together. They do great work and have some of the kindest people I have met working for them.

SP: Why did you choose to get involved with this cause?  

MG: I am always passionate about helping those in need. The emotional reaction I had to reading about these prisoners made me passionate about helping them as well. It’s not hard to help others; it’s hard to ignore them.

SP: What do you hope students will get out of this concert?

MG: For one, I hope they have a good time. The way I see it, you’re coming to a show like you would any other night at the Troc or the TLA. Only thing is you can feel good about helping others while you’re doing it, as well as hear from someone who has endured a great struggle in order to have freedom. It’s a good lesson to learn: not to take the opportunities we have here for granted. Even as a busy student, sometimes you forget how lucky you are to have the ability to have your beliefs and even voice your opinion. Our keynote speaker went to jail for voicing his. He didn’t have that freedom. I hope the students walk away inspired.

SP: What do you hope will be a result of this concert, as well as SFT in general?

MG: The greatest feeling in the world is looking around you only to find that there is compassion everywhere you look. I hope the people who come to this concert look around and see that. Every bit of our efforts were volunteered. All of our items for the raffle were donated. This event is a prime example of how easy it is to help others when you just ask.

Philadelphia, believe it or not, is a very compassionate town, filled with warm, kind and friendly people everywhere you go. I hope those in attendance take that feeling with them when they leave and remember to pass it on to others. Maybe, too, they’ll see how we did this and be inspired to host their own event. Our goal is to raise some money for both organizations, but more so it is to raise awareness about how easy it is to help others when you just put your mind to it and ask people to contribute.

SP: How would you describe your performance style?

MG: Hardcore (just kidding). Never being a believer in screaming at your audience, I tend to lay back and offer something more melodic. For the concert, I will have two people with me: Patrick Hughes on trumpet and Charlie Patierno on drums. Together the sound is very mellow and easy to listen to.  There are elements of jazz and blues, but the core sound of the music is that of a singer songwriter. Some people say, “Think Norah Jones with a guitar.” I say, ‘I’m just me.’

SP: Do you know any of the other performers at this event?

MG: Yes. John Francis and I know each other from various run-ins in Philadelphia. He is a great performer, writer and musician, but more importantly, a great person. He spent several months living in Tibet and is politically minded. After performing with him at an XPN event at The Constitution Center, I approached him about this, and thankfully, he was happy to be a part of it. He will be bringing his guitarist, recent UArts graduate, Ross Bellenoit.

SP: Do you have any other thoughts you’d like to share to the La Salle community?

MG: Yes. I remember being a busy student and having no time for anything other than a quick bite from a snack bar. It’s tough finding time to go out, even when out is on campus. However, this is such a great opportunity to be touched by another person’s life. Our speaker has an amazing story, one that rings true and inspires. He has great courage, and if you have ever wanted to meet someone to make you say ‘wow,’ Lhundup is that man.  

Despite the busy lives the students may all have, this event would be something worthwhile to anyone who is interested in music, religious studies, politics, human rights, community involvement and winning free stuff. So join us April 20 at La Salle University Ballroom.

There are more details online at www.melodygardot.com, and tickets can be reserved by sending an email to francescalobasso@yahoo.com

williamsk1@lasalle.edu