Students and friends gathered Wednesday night at the Paradise Lounge for a benefit concert to pay tribute to Andrew Voluck, one of two Boston University College of General Studies students who died after being struck by a train last February.
The concert, titled “Extensions of Him,” brought together more than 40 friends of Voluck’s, from BU and his hometown of Blue Bell, Pa.
The event marks what would have been Voluck’s 21st birthday. Two bands, Dark Disco Club and All Parallels, played 40-minute sets.
The event was coordinated by College of Arts and Sciences junior Julia Collins, who said a portion of the proceeds will go to a fund in Voluck’s honor at the Philadelphia Children’s Hospital. People donated $15 as a cover charge, some of which paid for the venue cost while the rest was donated to the fund.
Collins, who was Voluck’s girlfriend, said she was pleased with the turnout.
“Tonight, the purpose this event served was very successful,” she said. Voluck knew the members of Dark Disco Club and played guitar for the band for a short period, keyboard player Joseph Rose said. Voluck brought the band back together after a long break, he said.
“This show is mostly for people who knew Drew,” he said. “It’s a way to remember Drew, the music he liked and to get everyone together.”
The band opened their set of with a song written and dedicated to Voluck by lead singer Eric Rosso.
“It probably won’t be played again after tonight,” Rose said.
All Parallels, a New Jersey-based band, ended the concert with a set of songs they felt represented the type of music Voluck would appreciate, guitar player Adam Kestler said.
“We’re playing songs we know Drew personally liked,” he said. “Drew was a fan, came to shows and kept in contact by email. He developed a relationship with the band and that’s why it was a great reason to play tonight.”
College of Communication junior Jennifer Ruggiero said that “Drew was one of [her] first friends freshman year,” and they went to a couple shows together, including an All Parallels show.
“I came because he was a close friend and it is a good cause,” she said. Friends said the event was a way to remember Voluck and his passion for music.
COM junior Anais Cayo said she was “one of his best friends since freshman year.”
“Drew would be happy if people’s ears were hurting by the end of the night,” she said. “I hope they appreciate the music because Drew loved music.
“Rock was one of his favorite things. Drew always had music playing,” she continued.
Rosso said the most important part of the night was remembering Voluck.
“A collection of songs Drew had played himself were on the set,” he said. “The most important thing was to have a connection with Drew.”
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