David Crosby and Joe Walsh will lead a benefit concert at Ohio’s Kent State University as the community marks the 50th anniversary of a deadly shooting on the campus.
Crosby, Walsh and more special guests are slated to take part in a May 2 show at Kent State’s Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center. The concert will be part of a series of events in the community that commemorate a May 4, 1970 shooting on campus. The tragedy left four students dead and nine injured after Ohio National Guardsmen opened fire on civilians who were protesting the Vietnam War. Proceeds from the show will go directly toward scholarship funds set up in each victim’s name.
“As music was such an important part in the lives of those killed and wounded, the special May 4 50th Commemoration Benefit Concert is a fitting and meaningful way to help raise funds for these newly created scholarships,” Kent State University said in a statement.
University President Todd Diacon reiterated the impact Walsh and Crosby’s presence will have on the campus and greater community five decades after tragedy.
“We are extremely honored and grateful to have these two world-class musicians as part of our 50th commemoration activities,” said Diacon. “The willingness of these artists to help us raise funds for the scholarships demonstrates the commitment and strong ties that these individuals have to honoring those killed and wounded on May 4, 1970, and ensuring a lasting legacy of learning and peaceful reconciliation.”
Both artists have special ties to the area. Walsh attended Kent State in the 1960s and was on campus during the 1970 shooting. Meanwhile, the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young single “Ohio” served as a tribute to the community and heightened awareness of the shooting following its 1970 release.
Walsh, who is currently on the road for The Eagles’ Hotel California Tour, will perform at KSU with Barnstorm and reunite with original members Joe Vitale and Kenny Passarelli. Crosby is expected to take the stage with his longtime backing band.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons user Ellywa
