The Lawrence Arms‘ Brendan Kelly will be playing a solo acoustic set this Valentine’s Day at the Metro, as he and several other musicians show some love for fundraising with Rock N’ Raise- A Benefit for Darfur.
Rock N’ Raise is a student movement, comprised of activists, musicians and artists all looking to make a difference. “One month. One City. Dozens of schools. Thousands of energized, caring students. Together, we’re organizing fundraising drives across the city - in our schools and communities, with our friends, teachers, and community members” (Rocknraise.org) With aims to aid the education of the displaced children of Darfur, and formed through Youth United for Darfur, Rock N’ Raise has organized a series of concerts and events, with all proceeds to be donated to the Darfur Dream Team Sister Schools program, an initiative of the Enough Project.
“I was asked to play the show and I’m always on board for a good cause. This is a great cause, and I love the Metro.” (Brendan Kelly)
More recently putting the finishing touches on his soon to be released acoustic split with Joe McMahon (Smoke or Fire), featuring stripped down versions of previously released songs from their respective bands, Kelly has and The Lawrence Arms will also be touring the UK late this march.
Don’t miss Kelly’s performance along with Madina Lake, The Blisters, and Big Science this Sunday at the Metro. Doors at 4pm/Show at 4:30 $10 All Ages
Brendan Kelly took some time out of his schedule of juggling musicianship and a family life to talk to us about the first show he ever saw, what he’s been listening to, and how he intends to persuade you to check out Rock N’ Raise this Sunday.
Telegram Sam: What are your top three favorite cities/venues to play?
Brendan Kelly: Chicago, Perth, Vienna. Metro, anywhere, Arena respectively.
T.S: If you could book a tour with any 3 bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Brendan Kelly: Guns N’ Roses, the original Misfits and the Highwaymen. Just so I could say I knew all those dudes.
T.S: What are your top three musical influences?
Brendan Kelly: Pornography, fatty foods, reality television
T.S: What would you say to persuade anyone who is on the fence about attending the benefit?
Brendan Kelly: I’d say, “Come on. I’m playing first, just come see me then we can go get a beer at Gingerman”
T.S: Is there any instrument you don’t play already, but wish you did?
Brendan Kelly: Oh yeah. Most all of them. I’d love to play accordian.
T.S: What are the last three albums listened to?
Brendan Kelly: Menzingers “Chamberlain Waits” Alkaline Trio “This Addiction” and the new Knux record
T.S: If you could work with one person in the music industry, who would it be and why?
Brendan Kelly: Rick Rubin. I wanna see what he smells like.
T.S: Who was the first band/musician you saw live?
Brendan Kelly: Dead Milkmen. I was twelve. At the Metro. Amazing show
Tags: Interview, Upcoming Event
