Nearly three months after the shooting at Brown University that killed two students and injured nine others, students are organizing a benefit concert aimed at bringing the campus and the broader Providence community together.
The concert will feature student artists Daiela, The Island Rovers, Wil Rowland and others. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 6.
Sophomore Theo Cobin and senior Michael OuYang spoke with Ocean State Media’s Luis Hernandez about the origins of the event, how the campus community is coping and how the concert will support local causes through the Brown Loves Providence initiative.
Interview highlights
On how the idea for the concert began
Theo Cobin: It started over winter break. I was really lost. I was kind of looking for something that I could do. I felt very helpless at the time. I’m a musician myself. Music would really help me get through that time and I figured, why not spread that healing to others?
And we had seen all over the city signs that said, PVD loves Brown. And I figured like, let’s, let’s return the favor. Let’s show that Brown loves PVD as well, and that us students are here for the rest of the community as much as this community has been here for us.
Michael OuYang: After the shooting, this mom was on campus outside the dining hall and she was just giving free hugs to people. I can assure you, all of Brown University knows who this person is. And I think that this – you know, benefit concerts (are) another way to play some really amazing music and bring people together.
On how the campus community is feeling months later
Cobin: I would say the energy on campus is actually quite special. People, when they came back to campus, they’ve been doing the things, the normal college things, with a newfound appreciation for them. You know, as simple as just someone’s birthday party or getting lunch together with friends.
Those very simple things that are pretty standard at most colleges, we no longer take for granted.
I think I personally feel quite safe. There’s a lot more officers on campus, (and) I think the best part about that has just been getting to actually talk to the people who have been keeping us safe.
I feel really comfortable around them. And if there’s any good thing that can come out of this tragedy, it’s that it’s bringing people closer together.
OuYang: I agree. I think sometimes when I’m talking to friends or people that I might know sometimes instead of saying, “I’ll see you around later” people (say) “I’m happy you’re safe”, which I think is a really, really sweet thing.
On the details of the ‘Thank You, PVD’ concert
Cobin: The event will take place Friday evening at the Strand. Doors open at seven. Music will go from eight to eleven. We’ve got all student performers, we even have one Brown Dining Services employee performing as well. And we’d love to see everyone there.
The proceeds will go to the Brown Loves Providence campaign and it will be matched by a group of alumni donors up to $30,000. So by you donating a $15 ticket, you’re actually donating $30 to local causes. That money will be handled by a special trust set up team by the university, but this is an entirely student-led event.
We’d really wanna see everybody from every corner of the region all coming together. As much as this was a Brown tragedy, this is also a Providence tragedy…healing for Brown students should also be healing for the broader community as well.
