The band played an eclectic mix of original country numbers and covers of high profile pop songs that had the audience on their feet. After the show, audience members crowded around the band with what appeared to be a long overdue family reunion. Hugs and conversation were exchanged on a first-name basis, and warmth emanated throughout the building.
NIC’s relatively new LDSSA (Latter Day Saint Student Association) Club hosted a benefit concert featuring Redhead Express on Nov. 18. The concert was held in Boswell Hall’s Schuler Auditorium, and the price of admission was a canned item for the NIC Food Pantry.
The LDSSA club hosted the event not only to make their presence known on campus, but also to help students stay focused on their studies.
“We’re excited for it [canned goods] to go to the NIC Food Pantry and for students to focus on their studies and not worry about the next meal and where that’s coming from,” LDSSA vice president Marisa Steinberg said.
Redhead Express maintains close ties to the NIC, the Mormon community and their smaller fan bases as they travel around the country to larger venues. The sisters have opened for the likes of Parmalee, Chris Young, Jerrod Niemann, and Trace Adkins, and they are starting a two-month long tour beginning this December.
The band was in the Coeur d’Alene to celebrate the holidays early because of their tour when the LDSSA Club reached out to them.
“This is our community,” band member and cellist Meghan Walker said of NIC. “We love it and want to serve our community and give back because they have given to us.”
The four sisters of Redhead Express, their three brothers and parents all recently moved the area in the last year. They were motivated to perform at NIC in an attempt to reach out to their new community.
“This is part of us saying hello and getting to know our community. But it’s also a food drive, and we started out doing a lot of benefit concerts and nursing homes, so that’s also important to remember — to not forget who we are and where we came from,” band member and banjo player LaRae Walker said.
NIC’s LDSSA club is hoping to host more events to integrate into the community, as well as continue their relationship with Redhead Express. The donations for admittance are made available through the NIC Food Pantry to students in need. Any additional donations are welcome.
