Benet prepares for Night

They say it is better to give than to receive. Monday night's concert at the U-Club to benefit Take Back the Night was an evening full of giving.

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center sponsored the event, and gave time and effort to bring local bands together to support the cause. Supporters gave a $5 cover to contribute to Saturday's Take Back the Night rally and the musicians, Lisa Hunter and

REVIEW
	Lisa Hunter: Benefit for Take Back the Night

Plaidipus, gave diverse sets of music.

The Ann Arbor Coalition on Rape is the sponsor for Take Back the Night. As a member of this coalition, SAPAC hosted the benefit to raise money for the rally.

Anna Philips, a volunteer for SAPAC and master of ceremonies, said she was excited about Lisa Hunter playing the event.

She said that this Ann Arbor folk-rock singer took an early interest in this benefit.

"We met her at another benefit concert (for the State Street Poetry Project in February), and she was interested in our organization," Phillips said. "She is really concerned about violence against women and she really wants to help out."

Hunter, who graduated from the University in 1992, began the evening with her folk-rock stylings. On stage, with just her guitar, the singer/songwriter played a quality set of tunes from her first album, "Solid Ground," and from her next album "Flyi

JOHN KRAFT/Daily Lisa Hunter performed Monday night at a Benefit for Take Back the Night, sponsored by SAPAC.

ng," due in June.

Aside from the music, the best part of Hunter's set was the stories she told. Revealing the inspiration behind each song, Hunter let the audience visit the psyche of a songwriter. The topics of her songs, which include her family, friends, relationships and her experiences at the University, made Hunter's lyrics easy to relate to.

That made the crowd enjoy the show even more. "The show was pretty cool," LSA sophomore Samantha Mathers said. "Lisa really tried to participate with the audience.

Perhaps the most touching song of her set was "Storm." Lisa told the audience that he co-wrote the song with a survivor of domestic violence. Singing to a captivated audience, Hunter used her performance to bring the cause to the forefront.

Because Hunter is an interactive musician, she encouraged audience participation. This was a slight challenge for the quiet crowd, which was in awe of her performance.

Nonetheless, Hunter enjoyed the benefit. "Doing the show for SAPAC makes it that much more special," Hunter said. "The crowd was really open and accepting. I felt very welcomed."

Hunter played a powerful set, mixing music, stories and the cause, also generating a positive vibe for the next band, Plaidipus.

Plaidipus offered a different sound. A little louder, this instrumental funk outfit, took the crowd by surprise. Once the audience got used to the volume, they were able to enjoy the fun-loving jam rock of Plaidipus.

Proudly wearing a Phish T-shirt, the drummer revealed the band's obvious influence. Particularly in songs like "Two," "Temporary," and the jams that occurred between them, Plaidipus showed off it's quality musicianship.

"I thought it was a really good show for a good cause," said Chris Zaranski, an Engineering senior. "Both of the acts were great."

Although the music was impressive, whether it was folk-rock or funk-rock on stage, the idea of Take Back the Night always came through as the main reason for the benefit.

"The rally is going to cost roughly $1,500. That includes the speakers featured in the rally, insurance costs, a sound system and permits," said Phillips.

The funding is necessary for Saturday's rally to Take Back the Night.

The event, will begin at 7 p.m., and will feature numerous speakers, a performance by the Emily Berry Dance Company and a march around campus.

For anyone would like to contribute to Take Back the Night, SAPAC is accepting donations at its office in West Quad.

04-15-98