In an age where we need the escape from music now more than ever, rock n roll keeps providing!

Last Wednesday, the Iona University Rock Band performed a show out on our very own Murphy Green. The show has become a tradition every semester, which will include this

upcoming Spring semester (in case you were unable to attend this time). The band served as a great way to “carve out time and do something positive post-Covid,” remarks keyboardist and

backup singer, Dr. Michelle Veyvoda. Thankfully, these efforts were widely appreciated as it was not long before Murphy Green was flooded with students and faculty alike.

Songs played included “Call Me” by Blondie, “Paint It, Black” by British juggernaut, The Rolling Stones, and “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, the latter two are both personal favorites of

mine. I immediately sent pictures and videos of “Dreams” being performed to my dad and sister,

both lifelong fans of the band. Lead vocalist Dr. Mary Jane Skelly gracefully channeled her inner Stevie Nicks (who – fun fact – recently hosted SNL) whom she cited as a great musical influence. It should also be noted that she added an interesting touch to “Paint it, Black,” despite joking prior to the song that she sounded nothing like Mick Jagger.

This all stands to reason, as Dr. Skelly was a voice major in college. Hesitant to join the band at first, she was eventually convinced by colleague and bandmate, Dr. Lubomir Ivanov, who did an excellent job on guitar. The likes of Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, and Slash would be proud. The show concluded with a more bubblegum-pop song, “Let the Sunshine In” from the 1967 musical Hair. It is this kind of pop-rock vibe that Dr. Veyvoda appreciates, citing one of

her favorite songs as “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. Thankfully, we did not feel any rain on our skin on Oct. 30th, as the weather rendered it a perfect day for an outdoor concert!

Outside of Iona University, we have also seen great developments in the arena of classic rock. In addition to the upcoming 40th anniversary of Bryan Adams’ album, Reckless, featuring hits such as “Run to You” and “Summer of ‘69”, the Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen has been making headlines as of late. Not only did this summer see the 40th anniversary of his iconic

album, Born in The U.S.A., but the rock star just celebrated his 75th birthday. Music fans were

also treated to the documentary, Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band. Directed by Thom Zimny (who was also behind “The Beach Boys” documentary earlier this

year), the film chronicles the 2023 tour of the E-Street Band, the first in six years. In fact, opening night in Tampa, Florida, makes their audience feel as if the band never left. Springsteen recalls having dreamt of performing in front of enormous crowds, and now look at him all these years later. This serves as a truly inspiring message to never give up on one’s dreams. The documentary was a real love letter to fans of the “Dancing in

the Dark” singer. Speaking of love, perhaps the most wholesome part of the film was the relationship between Bruce and his wife, Patti. Their duet of the song, “Fire” was a wonderfully tender moment. Despite going from being popular in the 70’s to now in his 70’s, the legendary rocker is still young at heart, which is

perhaps the best aspect of music, how it makes you feel.

In summation, there is much to celebrate musically, both in and outside of Iona. All that

can be said is “Long Live Rock n Roll!”