The Standard

Issue date: 9/30/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Matt Moore

The memorial benefit concert in honor of Jared Gudde and Andy Schauer quickly became standing room only as those wishing to help the families filled The Keyes Gallery.

Humor was definitely the theme of the night. There were a few tears, but the event largely consisted of humorous skits and lively conversation.

The event was largely student-run, with volunteers that knew Gudde and Schauer and those who just wanted to be a part of the event.

"I unfortunately didn't actually know either of the guys whom the festivities were for, but I was glad to come help out," Anthony Ciston, a junior electronic arts and French major, said. "Everyone who attended seemed very appreciative and touched by the artists that came to perform."

J. R. Neal, one of the organizers of the event, estimated that around 250 people attended throughout the night, with around 170 people in the gallery at any given time.

Through the $1 admission price, donations and raffle tickets, organizers of the event were able to raise $610 for the families, Neal said.

"We get so caught up over petty things that we often take life for granted," Nadia Kamanzi, a senior political science major, said. "It's events like this that remind us how short life is."

The night began with a performance by The Back Room Boys, a group that includes Neal that was formed this summer.

He said their influences include the Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer. The band started off the night with a laugh in goofy costumes and with funny skits during their performance.

A Cub Bella performed next, a Missouri State group which performs largely contemporary songs, but without the music.

The women in the group provide their own accompaniment through beat boxing and signing the notes of the background music. Some of the songs they performed included "Speeding Cars" by Imogen Heap, "Clumsy" by Fergie, and "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree" by K.T. Tunstall.

The final performance was by the Missouri State Beartones, who performed "No More Walks in the Wood," a requested song by the Eagles, "How to Save a Life," by The Fray, and the Folgers Coffee theme song.

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