October 6, 2005


‘KATRINA KARE’ CONCERT

Benefit concert by Leland High School teachers raises
relief funds for Hurricane Katrina victims

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

In an outpouring of compassion for victims of Hurricane Katrina, Almaden Valley residents and Leland High School students gave from the heart, readily donating hurricane relief funds.

Student Krystin Thomas worked hard to organize the benefit concert and assist with Katrina Kare.

With an ambitious goal of raising $5,000 for the American Red Cross, the Leland High School (LHS) community banded together for “Katrina Kare,” which culminated in a benefit concert Friday night featuring the local band Scapegrace, which includes two Leland teachers.

“The images of all the devastation in New Orleans and Louisiana affected the students, just like the tsunami did,” said Paul Yllana, LHS assistant principal of Activities, “but this one hit a little closer to home, having happened here in the United States. The minute it happened, everybody really wanted to help, and the Associated Student Body (ASB) officers came through.”

For ASB member Krystin Thomas, this time it was personal. When Thomas, who has friends and family in the Gulf Coast area, saw pictures of the havoc reeked by Hurricane Katrina, she was extremely moved and inspired to do whatever she could to help. “I felt that we really needed to come together for this, and hoped everyone at Leland would feel that way, too,” said Thomas, “and they did.”

Leading a fund-raising campaign by placing donation containers in every classroom and plastering the school with “Katrina Kare” posters, ASB students worked very hard, very quickly, to involve the entire school community. To illustrate the seriousness of the emergency and the urgent need for Katrina Kare, student Chad Francis compiled a slideshow, which ran before the concert. Stark images of Hurricane Katrina victims, some being rescued by rowboat, flashed on the screen as the song “Lean on Me” played, emotionally conveying what the hurricane victims had been through.

The band, Scapegrace, which features vocal harmonies, mandolin and trumpets, includes two LHS teachers, film studies and English teacher Richard Ajlouny and Music Director Rian Rodriguez. “When Mr. Ajlouny offered to play a benefit concert,” said Thomas, “we took the idea and ran with it, gathering donations and starting a raffle with gift certificates from local restaurants like B.J.’s Brewery, Baja Fresh and Almaden Feed and Fuel.”

Scapegrace entertained the crowd with retro harmonious rhythms reminiscent of the Beatles.

Showing their school spirit while raising hurricane relief aid, close to 100 people attended the Katrina Kare concert.

“It’s great everyone could come out for a real good cause,” said Thomas to the audience. “Every dime that went to this show will be donated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina,” added Ajlouny. “People need your help—so thank you!”

Ajlouny, who performed the songs he wrote while playing acoustic guitar at coffee shops for a dozen years, also recorded six albums in that time. Although he covered all the bases, playing a range of instruments, he felt that something was missing and formed a band whose harmonic blend of words, chords, and beats is reminiscent of the Beatles, Velvet Underground and David Bowie.

Through Ajlouny’s music, the students have come to know not only the teacher, but the man. “He played one of his songs in class for us. It was really good,” said Alicia DePalma. “He influences us through his music and teaches us how it relates to English. He’s good at what he does and he’s a great teacher. Everyone who’s graduated already remembers him and one day, everybody will know his name.”

“By seeing me perform,” said Music Director Rodriguez, “my students see that they can make a career out of music and it’s important for them to know they can make a living out of something they’re passionate about.”

During the concert, Scapegrace, which includes Ajlouny on mandolin, guitar, piano, and vocal; David Alexandrou on rhythm guitar and vocal; Ryan Westphal on bass; Adam Aharon on drums; and Rian Rodriguez on trumpet, debuted their new song, “Killing the Canvas,” to the shrieks of the crowd.

“It’s a good show!” said one fan enthusiastically, enjoying the retro feel.

“My friend and I have seen them perform eight times,” said student Stephanie Myers. “They’re unique and professional, unlike a lot of garage and wannabe bands.”

“It’s cool seeing a guy you know in a band, especially one that’s good,” agreed a fellow student. “I like where the influence comes from. He mixes classic rock and alternative music. It’s not just good music, but good lyrics too.”

Thomas thanked Ajlouny for graciously offering his band to play at the show. “The concert went really great,” she said. “People really had a good time. We had a really great turnout and a lot of people bought raffle tickets.”

Students show their support while enjoying a cool concert benefiting Katrina victims.

Including the $831 raised by the benefit concert, Leland High School has raised about $4,000 for Katrina Kare. In the hopes of reaching their $5,000 goal, they extended the deadline one week and are asking school community-service based clubs for contributions as well as trying to identify a corporate sponsor who will match their funds.

“I think it is wonderful that people in the community are doing whatever they can to help strangers in need,” said Ajlouny. “They understand and empathize with the less fortunate, and go out of their way to contribute whatever they can to those in need.” 

“It says a lot about the quality of the kids we have here in Almaden and the caring and compassion that they’re able to show,” said Yllana. “It’s incredible to see it in kids who are so young.”

“I hope people see that Leland cares about helping the community and those in need,” said Thomas, “and how important it is to pitch in and help the hurricane victims. I know Almaden Valley has done a lot for this cause. People here really care.”

Contact the American Red Cross at: 1-800-HELP-NOW or online at: www.redcross.org.