Announcement
Photo: Molly Starr Nelson Photography
Rock for Refugees not only brought Nathan Hale High School senior Emmett Lucas one step closer to graduation, it took his senior project outside of the classroom and onto the stage. Held on May 13th at Fremont’s Nectar Lounge the event drew more than 150 people and raised an estimated $1,400 in support of the IRC
Before the opening set, Emmett spoke to the crowd about his inspiration for this project. He recounted the story of two Syrian refugees living in a camp in Germany. When asked what support the camp could provide these two men, they in turn offered to help. They wanted to give back to the community that had welcomed them. They did so by playing music - by lifting the spirits of those around them.
Emmett endeavored to use his love of music for a similar good. Joined by friends, family, and fellow musicians and band mates, Emmett put together a rock show with a purpose.
Photo: Molly Starr Nelson Photography
The line-up featured groups from Seattle’s School of Rock, Butter Boy, Free Samples, and Arcanonaut – all made up of Seattle middle and high school students. The songs varied greatly, from original pieces to Nirvana and Rush covers. Some bands veered towards rock and punk, others with belting vocals. Emmett describes the style of his band, Arcanonaut as an instrumental jam band with a sound that is decidedly metal-funk.
While the styles of the bands varied widely, the talent across all remained consistently impressive. Between sets, IRC-produced short films were shown tying a strong reminder through the entire event of current issues, policies, and the people and communities that benefit from the IRC’s advocacy and support. The videos portrayed firsthand accounts of current refugee crises, as well as the IRC’s impact both locally and globally. The IRC’s Development Manager Jen Skalbeck spoke briefly and a moving poem, written by a young Somali refugee titled “The Food of My Country” was read to the crowd.
Photo: Molly Starr Nelson Photography
Rock for Refugees demonstrates that there are many ways to speak up and show up for a cause. Art can allow communities to come together and look outwardly to what’s happening in the world around them.
The talent of all the young performers and the palpable sense of community that Emmett was able to create left all attendees feeling inspired. These student advocates should be proud of their efforts. If this group of young people is any indication, the next generation of leaders and dreamers will not be sitting by silently. And the bar for senior projects at Nathan Hale High School will forever sit a little higher.
Written by IRC Volunteer, Dana Shay