The second annual Rock for a Cure benefit was held in the Dodd center auditorium Wednesday night. Hosted by Alpha Epsilon Phi, the event featured different types of entertainment in order to raise money for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS foundation. This organization was founded by one of AEPhi's former sorority members.
"We wanted a creative and different way to raise money for a good cause," said Sloane Krauss, AEPhi's Vice President of philanthropy, in regards to why Rock for a Cure was created.
The walls of the auditorium were decorated with colorful posters displaying facts about HIV and AIDS. The vibrant atmosphere was matched by the many performers clad in bright pinks, reds and blues.
Both of the acapella groups, Extreme Measures and Rubyfruit, wore matching ensembles and sang their hearts out.
Extreme Measures began their performance by singing the well-known song "Boondocks" with a little twist to it by adding some beatboxing to the piece. One of the youngest acapella groups on campus, Extreme Measures looked like they were having a great time singing together and even coordinated silly dance parts to their songs. Their performance featured Pat Benatar songs was a hit with the audience and recieved many laughs.
Rubyfruit, the female a capella group started back in 1999, remixed their songs too. Their song "Better Days" was arranged by one of their very own group members. The ladies even mixed up a song from the movie Shrek. This talented group's performance mainly featured one main singer doing a solo while the rest of the girls sang back-up.
UConn's steel drums group filled the auditorium with sounds that could only be described as 'tropical.' The group was a lively bunch, swaying back and forth to the sounds of their own drums. Almost every member proceeded to jump around and they all genuinely looked like they were having a good time playing with one another. With songs like "Morning Dance," "Celebrate," and "Cha Cha Sandwich" the steel drums group blasted the audience away with random mixtures of beats and eclectic melodies.
"In addition to wanting to support the fundraiser, I heard it would be a good time and it sounded exciting," said Britta Johnson, a 4th-semester education major.
There was a solo performance by Clara Casey, one of AEPHI's sisters. She played the piano and sang her original song "Goodbye" that was both endearing and funny at the same time. A little hesitant at first, Casey got into her groove with the support of the cheering audience.
"All the sororities support one another because we are all fighting for good causes," said Breanna Hulne, a 4th-semester communications major.
The rock band that performed was called Sleepwell and consisted of five witty guys who played pretty well considering the stage in the Dodd center auditorium probably wasn't designed for a rock band to perform on it. Sleepwell is also playing in the Battle of the Bands competition on March 27 in the Student Union ballroom.
Other performers included UConn SURYA, a dance group that uses classical Indian style dancing in their moves, and Ben Raab, a singer and acoustic guitar player.
In addition to benefiting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, part of the proceeds collected from the bake sale held during the intermission will go to Relay for Life. This donation is in honor of Krauss' own mentee from Big Brothers Big Sisters who was diagnosed with cancer recently.
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