'Rockin Relief' Concert Benefits Sept. 11 Victims

Author: Karen Acheson Staff Writer

Devin Green '04.5 has gone beyond the call of duty and has truly made a difference in helping people affected by the Sept. 11 tragedies. by organizing the 'Rockin' Relief' Concert Sunday, Nov. 18 in Mead Chapel. The concert was a collaboration of 10 individual performers and musical groups, including all four main a capella groups, in which funds raised were committed to help the victims of Sept. 11. Green worked hard to publicize prior to the concert saying, "I basically put posters on every door and put flyers under every door," and added, "my back and feet hurt afterwards."

The idea to bring together an array of musicians to play for a benefit came to Green following the events on Sept.11. "I just thought it would be a good idea because I know a lot of musicians and people who are willing to attend concerts," she said. "I just made a list of diverse musicians and called them and asked them to play."

By late September, she began planning the event with the intention of raising money for the Red Cross Relief Fund, and luckily for those who attended, everyone she called was willing to get involved.

Mike Olcott '04.5, an individual performer at the concert and a member of the Dissipated Eight, commended Green for her tireless efforts and merited success. "The thing that stands out the most about Devin is that nothing prompted this but her. It was completely self-motivated," Olcott said.

Jessica Harrison '04.5, a member of the Mischords, was also in awe of Green's contributions. "I'm really impressed with Devin's efforts to put this concert together, and I was really excited to be a part of it," said Harrison, who is from New York City and was grateful for an event that really addressed the tragic events and attempted to make a difference. "The concert was a great success in a lot of ways, including the fact that it united a lot of very talented performers," Harrison commented.

Melissa Camilo '04 sang two songs, one of which she wrote herself following the events of Sept. 11 and performed for the first time at the concert. "It was a really great experience, and I thank Devin for taking the time to put the concert together," stated Camilo. Being from New York, Camilo said, "The concert really touched home, and I'm glad I was able to help raise money for the people in New York."

Green originally tried get the Middlebury College Activities Board to sponser the concert; however, she found that they do not do charity events because, "they usually flop," explained Green. They were willing, however, to co-sponsor the event, and as a result she was given money for posters and technical assistance.

"The rest I did by myself, although I received a lot of help from a lot of people with putting up posters and helping me with technical things," commented Green. After receiving the money required to get started, Green had to design and print the posters, schedule the venue, receive permission to hold a concert during the week and find a time that worked with the schedule of every musician involved. "It was hard work," she admitted, "but everyone I've seen says they loved it. I'm really feeling positive about, how it turned out. Some of the performers were people no one knew about and they received exposure.," Green said.

The concert raised approximately $1,750, and Green plans on sending all the money to either the Red Cross or the September 11th Fund. In addition, this first attempt has encouraged Green to begin planning future concerts, and she hopes to have events every semester to raise money for different causes.

"I was psyched. I think now that people know about it, if I do it again, more people will come, and I can raise more money," Green explained, adding, "So many people at this school have hidden talents you would never know about."