Event raises funds for Kinshasa

Music radiated from the Pourhouse Cafe from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, filling Kirkwood Avenue with percussive, energizing melodies, while patrons enjoyed free music and food.
 
The event, “Teach Me, Congo,” was organized by the Giving Back to Africa Student Association. The proceeds will benefit the youth of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Three musical acts performed throughout the course of the event. Square Peg Round Hole played first, providing a jam-packed Pourhouse with percussive, yet calm and ambient music.

An Afro-Cuban music ensemble took the stage next, playing a variety of percussion instruments, including conga drums. The group, comprised mostly of Jacobs School of Music students, also accompanied their Caribbean sound with vocals.

“All of us ended up volunteering because this ßis the kind of music we like to play,” ensemble member Andrew McAfee said.

The final act to perform, the Sam Hoffman Trio, provided listeners with smooth, calm jazz music.

Attendees were encouraged to participate in a silent auction, as well as purchase handcrafted items such as earrings and soap. All of the proceeds will go directly to GBA’s cause.

“We are very pleased and very excited (with the final result),” said Sarah McMahon, president of GBASA,   “It feels good to see our hard work being paid off.”

The Pourhouse Cafe donated the space for the event and provided catering services, McMahon said.

The night was also made possible in part by a grant from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, McMahon said.  

A team of students worked for months to organize the event, McMahon said.
Their efforts resulted in a large crowd along with positive feedback by the audience.

“I’m totally overwhelmed by how everything is going,” McMahon said. “It could not have been done without the partnership of GBASA and SPEA USA. I’m just so proud of how hard the students worked, and I’m really proud to be president of this
organization.”