Hip Hop 101 cabaret raises funds

Marcella Veneziale Arts Editor

On Saturday Sept. 24, student organization Hip Hop 101 sponsored a cabaret night benefiting victims of Hurricane Katrina. Donations of food, clothing, toiletries, and money were collected at the door. The event drew a large crowd and an equally large group of performers to the Students’ Building.

The night opened with a DJ set from Sean Dew, who also DJ’d between acts, and was kicked off by an introduction from Hip Hop 101 co-presidents Morgan Monaco ’06 and Jesse Jacobs ’06.

Hip Hop 101 members had been planning the event since their first meeting, along with help from BSU President Adam Lee ’06 and the ALANA Center’s relief efforts. Monaco said that the evening was important because, “[we] wouldn’t necessarily have a direct connection [with relief efforts] such as a group like Habitat for Humanity.” Monaco also felt that it was imperative that they “reflect on how they need to rebuild” and find a way “to deal with a sensitive issue.”

Kenny Miles ’07, who works in Public Relations for Hip Hop 101, said that “the idea was what would create the biggest crowd.” It was also a goal that “different perspectives and target groups” be addressed, and that a broad spectrum of performers collaborate.

Kesia Brown ’08 read a poem she wrote in honor of New Orleans, her home city, and other audience members with connections to the New Orleans area shared their stories throughout the evening.

Comedy groups Improv, and Happily Ever Laughter (H.E.L.) performed, as well as a cappella groups Vassar Devils, Measure 4 Measure, and Axis. The Barefoot Monkeys, Fly People, and five acts from the Poughkeepsie community also volunteered their talents.

The total amount of money raised has not yet been tallied, but a clear box of the funds will be on display in the College Center next week. Miles asserted that the total is “definitely in the hundreds.” The baseball team also donated a check, and an anonymous alum has pledged $25 to the cause for every rugby team match.

Ever since the devastating hurricane ravaged New Orleans, students and organizations have responded and contributed to relief efforts. Collection boxes for clothing and food have been placed in each dorm and are filling up rapidly.

A variety of other events have also taken place within the past few weeks, including a barbecue sponsored by the Asian Students’ Alliance, which accepted any monetary donations for hurricane victims. Panel discussions on a wide range of relevant topics relating to the disaster were also presented, ranging from “Environment of Katrina,” dealing with scientific reasons for the storm, to more social topics such as “Katrina and Politics” and “Katrina: Color of the Storm.”

The area still requires assistance, and campus organizations and individual students continue to devote their time and talents to helping the New Orleans area.