While the hit Fox-TV show "Glee" has helped renew interest in high school music programs, it was no match for last night's Heiruspecs sholarship fundraiser at St. Paul Central. Don't we all want to return to our old high school as rock stars? Not only did the hip-hop sextet -- all Central alum -- ably pull off that feat, the guys also seemed to make a strong impression on the hundreds of students in attendance. "We're doing this for you guys, the ones about to graduate," lead MC Chris "Felix" Wilbourn told the crowd. Another important figure in attendance was St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, who presumably has some say over arts program funding at St. Paul ISD.
The 2.5-hour concert -- held in the school auditorium -- featured a small army of guests, including fellow Central grads Bill Caperton, Mayda, Lucy Michelle, Abstract Pack and Martin Devaney. Felix humorously recounted that Devaney, dressed Thursday in a cowboy-ish button-up shirt, "wore Addidas jumpsuits from head to toe" when they were in high school. Abstract Pack rapper Glo Pesci gave his crew a more glowing intro: "If you went to Central when we did, you'd know we ruled this stage," he boasted. The school's best-known grads, Mint Condition, couldn't make the show but did make a donation to the cause.
Also featured were a couple graduates from neighboring/competing Highland Park High who were involved with Central's music program, rapper Mike "Eyedea" Larsen (who took part in the all-star freestyle finale with Sims, Carnage, St. Paul Slim and more) and Honeydogs leader Adam Levy. Joked Levy, "I might have the distinction of being the oldest Central student here." Here's hoping a younger generation of Central students come out and make music for the ages.
