Musicians of Einstein Revive Fun with Fall Festival Series/Hurricane Fiona Relief Benefit
In 2017, a group of music-loving students with a desire to connect with other musicians on campus established Musicians of Einstein (MoE). The objective of the club, which currently has approximately 50 active members, was to offer musicians on the Einstein campus a way to come together and play music.
Hurricane Fiona caused widespread destruction in Puerto Rico, where many are still recovering from the severe devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Our relief efforts aim to provide funding and supplies to help those most in need. Efforts on social media, led by our LMSA, SNMA, and Puerto Rican students, have already raised approximately $900. The MoE Fall Concert Series is also a benefit to raise funds to assist with the relief effort. A donation or purchase of a beverage (to enjoy at the concert) will add to the contributions already collected thus far.
Since its founding, the group, which welcomes students, postdocs, faculty, staff, and alumni, has held a variety of performances on campus, some involving mainly its members and others, like the 2019 Woodstock Revival Concert, welcoming performers from throughout Einstein and Montefiore to share their musical talent.
Now, nearly three years since the COVID-19 pandemic severely curtailed our ability to congregate and enjoy large gatherings on campus, MoE will be hosting its Fall Festival Series, a concert showcasing talent from throughout the campus community—and you’re invited to be among those on stage, or in the audience.
Offering Bands and a Helping Hand
Members of Dabigoband at a rehearsal
The event will serve as a special benefit as well, helping to raise funds for Hurricane Fiona Relief being spearheaded by Einstein’s chapters of the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)and Student National Medical Association (SNMA), along with Puerto Rican students at Einstein.
“One doesn’t have to be in a band to take part,” noted Kyle Aronson, a Ph.D. student on the MoE board and a “studio player” who prefers jamming to being in a band. “Whether in a band, performing solo, or teaming up with some of our members, the focus is creating an environment for enjoying music.”
He added, “When we learned what LMSA, SNMA, and some fellow students are doing to help those in Puerto Rico devastated by the destruction following Hurricane Fiona, we were pleased to offer the concert as an opportunity to help raise funds and collect items needed by those affected.”
“We’re thrilled that MoE was willing to assist us with our efforts to support those in our homeland, many of whom are still recovering from Hurricane Maria and other previous storms,” noted Alberto Williams-Medina, a native of Puerto Rico and student in Einstein’s Medical Scientist Training Program, who is leading a collaboration with medical students at Ponce School of Medicine to provide vital resources to the devastated region.
He added, “My friend Wilmel Cosme-Aguilar, who’s president of his class of 2025 at Ponce School of Medicine, shared that many individuals in Puerto Rico find themselves trying to rebuild their homes. The medical school’s student-led brigade has tried to help, but most people are attempting to return to a state of somewhat ‘normal,’ in spite of numerous challenges. Our efforts can certainly help them.”
“We will have a way for those interested to drop off donations, such as clothing for children and adults, blue tarps, water filters, and other needed items,” noted Nitza Granados, a second-year medical student and president of Einstein’s LMSA. The group will provide a list of critical items that can be donated to help address what is needed to aid recovery efforts.
"We've also teamed with Gun Hill Brewing Co. to provide their beer at the event," added M.T. Mohanllal, director of student life. “Those attending the concert can purchase their drinks in advance using the donation link; the brewery will be donating a percentage of their sales to the relief effort, and you will receive a ticket when entering the Central Courtyard so that you can retrieve your beverage."
Rocking It Out by the Rocks
The MoE concert, to be held in the Central Courtyard on Friday, October 21, from 3 to 8 p.m., is open to any member of Einstein or Montefiore who would like to perform.
“We welcome bands, soloists, or individuals interested in playing or singing with our MoE musicians, as well as other performances, such as poetry reading or dancers,” said Matanel Yheskel, a self-taught guitarist and singer for Dabigoband. “And we have a variety of instruments available for loan, including guitars, keyboards, and drum kits.”
“We’re excited to be able to allow outside guests to accompany members of our campus community to enjoy the music,” noted MoE board member Albert Wang, who plays piano and French horn, and is a keyboardist for Dabigoband. “However, we want everyone to be aware and follow our school’s COVID-19 policy.” For guests, this requires the submission of the visitor form 48 hours in advance of the event and making sure that any invited guest can show proof of vaccination and booster in order to enter our campus.
Those interested in performing should complete and submit the MoE sign-up form to provide your information by Monday, October 17.
“For those who prefer to simply enjoy the concert, we welcome you to come to the Central Courtyard on October 21, any time between 3 and 8 p.m. We’ll have “grab ‘n go” snacks and beverages available to enjoy along with the music,” said Kyle.
Posted on: Friday, October 14, 2022