Alum returns for 50 nights

Emma Epstein Guest Writer

On April 2, the Vassar Student Association (VSA) and African-American Alumni Association (AAAVC) will co-sponsor a campus-wide party celebrating the 50 nights remaining until graduation with a performance by hip-hop group The Real Live Show.

The Real Live Show features Vassar grad Ian Lawrence ’99 as one of its lyricists. While at Vassar, Lawrence majored in Philosophy and was involved in creating electronic music. He performed at the Mug many times and opened for bands before and after graduating.

Relationships forged at Vassar have impacted his adult life, said Lawrence. “The thing I enjoyed the most about Vassar was the people, learning the importance of relationships,” he said. “In the end, lots of people you meet there will help you. Who you know will take you a long way. Especially in the New York area, every magazine, TV network, there’s always someone from Vassar.”

In The Real Live Show, Lawrence goes by the name Stimulus. The group also includes bassist Tarus Mateen, drummers Greg Hutchinson and Terreon Gully, keyboardists Raymond Angry and James Hurt, guitarist “World” Thor Madsen, flutist and producer Pascal Zumaque, and DJ Colt Seaver. The band formed in 2001 through connections in the New York City jazz and hip-hop scenes. The group’s website defines the ensemble as a “hip-hop/funk band born in New York City and comprised of live music’s most innovative and accomplished players.”

The 50 Nights Committee, a part of the Senior Class Council headed by Courtney Smith ’05, formed at the beginning of last semester; however, when planning began in earnest in February, a scheduling dilemma arose. As part of their Eighth Triennial Conference, the AAAVC had organized a performance of The Real Live Show and rented out most of the College Center. A friend of Lawrence’s, who is also a Vassar alum, approached him about the gig, and since it worked into the band’s tour schedule, the group was more than willing to oblige.

The event would occur on April 2, exactly 50 nights prior to graduation. This milestone has traditionally been celebrated with a seniors-only party in the Villard Room. AAAVC approached the Senior Class Council and proposed an obvious solution: combine events and open it up to the entire student body.

VSA Vice President Simon Craven ’05 says that combining events with the AAAVC will only add to the celebration. “It’s a marriage of convenience, but it’s also symbolic,” he said. “We’re seniors, preparing to go into the real world. They’re alumni; that’s what we’re working towards.”

The AAAVC is equally as optimistic about the event, says Director of Alumnae Relations for Operations Willa McCarthy. “It didn't change the flavor of the event at all, it just ensured that everyone's needs would be met,” she said. “AAAVC is absolutely delighted and psyched to collaborate with the senior class on this event and looks forward to it.”

“It’s a way to celebrate a milestone,” Craven said. “It should be a way for us to get together and celebrate our 3.8 years together.”

For more information about The Real Live visit realiveshow.com. The band will go on a four city tour opening for Missy Elliot and Busta Rhymes April 23-30.