The Observer, September 12, 2008
Volume XLI, Issue 3
Richie Havens brings passion, life to law school benefit concert
From president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Terry Stewart's introduction to the breathtaking musical close, the Ohio Theatre in PlayhouseSquare was graced with a night of soul and passion on Friday, Sept. 5, where legendary performer Richie Havens headlined a benefit concert put on by the Case School of Law. More than just a musical performance, the show represented the institution's legacy of dedication to social justice.
The night began with Stewart saying a few words about the purpose of the concert and about the man performing. Richie Havens, throughout his life, has always represented the ideals of equality, liberty, and his staple favorite "freedom." Nearly 40 years after opening at the Woodstock Festival, at 67 years old, Havens still holds true to all the principles and ideals he did back then. The newly opened CWRU Law School Center for Social Justice works to instill in its students precisely these same ideals. There could not have been a better choice of performer for the inaugural benefit concert.
The tone of the night was set as soon as Havens took the stage. His good humor and endearing personality immediately captivated the audience. As he began the opening song to his first set, the crowd erupted in applause. With his furrowed brow and beads of sweat upon his face, it was clear Havens put all his energy into every song he played.
The first set, closed with a stunning rendition of the Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun," was followed by a short intermission. Shortly thereafter, Gary J. Simson, Dean of the CWRU Law School, spoke briefly, thanking not only Richie Havens for performing but the audience for their patronage, and a dear friend for a donation of one million dollars. All proceeds from the night will go toward funding scholarships, stipends, loan repayments, and things of that nature for students wishing to pursue careers in social justice.
Richie Havens then retook the stage to the sound of excited applause. The songs that followed conveyed inspiring themes of truth and honesty through lyrics about innocent children and the future. Alternating between upbeat rhythms and slow melodic tunes, Havens played a varied array of songs, where his deep and soulful voice demanded focus from the first song to the last. His version of Bob Dylan's "Just Like a Woman" inspired thunderous applause from the audience. Havens ended the set with his hallmark song "Freedom," which has been an instant classic since his performance at Woodstock. After a standing ovation, the audience continued to shout for one more song. He obliged with a wonderful and tear-jerking performance of "You Are Beautiful," and he exited the stage to a thunderous standing ovation from the audience.
After the concert, Havens signed autographs for fans in the theater lobby. His new album No One Left to Crown was also available for sale. If this night is any indication, the Center for Social Justice has a bright future ahead of it.
