Performing arts groups sing for UCHC

Leaders of the University's Newman Center said they wanted to make students more aware of the plight of the homeless. To accomplish this goal, leaders invited performing arts groups from campus to sing at the University City Hospitality Coalition's free "Community Meals," provided at the Newman Center on Monday nights. Campus groups Chord on Blues and the Penn Glee Club responded to the invitation last Monday. The groups sang a series of rousing melodies. "The performances were sentimental and uplifting," said David Kaj, a native of Philadelphia who regularly attends the meals offered at Newman Center. And after the successful performance on Monday, other performing arts groups have expressed interest in donating their time and talents to the UCHC's cause. Pennsylvania 6-5000, Counterparts and Inspiration are among those who have expressed interest in doing shows. Chord on Blues and the Glee Club also said they would be happy to perform again. College junior Jeremy Chiappetta, the Newman Center president, said the center invited the singing groups to try and provide a more hospitable environment. He added the meals are not dispensed cafeteria-style, but rather volunteers serve the food and then sit down and interact with those eating to make them more comfortable. "The philosophy of the program is to restore some of the dignity that the streets have taken away," Chiappetta said. The singing groups were asked to perform so one night a week would be extra special, Chiappetta added. The groups said they tailored their performances so that that there could be maximum audience participation. "We sang very upbeat songs and?interspersed among the crowd trying to get them involved," said College junior Seth Bloom, a Glee Club member. The experience was an eye-opener, according to some Glee Club members. Many of the singers said they had never been exposed to this less fortunate segment of our community. "By bringing in the performing arts community, that's over 150 people who will see how powerful the idea of homelessness and poverty is," Chiappetta said. Some Glee Club members expressed regrets, though, that their hectic schedules in preparation for their upcoming shows prevented them from interacting further with the homeless. "We plan on returning in the near future," Bloom said, however. Many diners said they eagerly anticipate future visits by the performing arts groups. "I'm looking forward to hearing them again, they were excellent," said Calvin Tynes, one diner who watched the performance. Another diner, Lynn Garner, echoed Tynes' sentiments. "It would be nice if they could perform somewhere where I could sit down and have some peace of mind [because they] sounded lovely [and] have nice voices," Garner said.