Music is a way to express oneself in many ways with emotion and passion. On Friday, Feb. 10, at the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Center, a benefit concert called, “Play it Forward,” was held. This project was put together by Salem senior Abbey Sexton and Canton senior Stacey Partain. The girls discovered an organization called Real Life. My Music. It’s about promoting creativity in the youth of Detroit, and giving them a safe outlet to grow as musicians and dancers. Sexton says, “When we met up with the founder of the organization, Lena Pernell, we immediately fell in love. Everything they offer for the kids is exactly what we wanted to help with.”

The show kicked off at 7 p.m. with the host, Ian Mckimmy, Salem senior, announcing. Mckimmy says, “This cause is really important for kids, especially in Detroit, to have a place they can go to and feel comfortable in.” Mckimmy adds that music is a really important factor in his life, and that it is something that brings people together.

Many talented performers throughout the night were singing classic, old and original songs. The first performer of the show, Tessa Quinlan, Salem senior, sang “Drumming Song.” Quinlan says, “Music is my everything, and without it I would be a completely different person.” She adds that she loves the cause because it furthers kids education in something that they’re passionate about.

Some other students that performed in the concert included Abby Heyde, Canton senior, Jack Ngwe, Salem senior and Alexia Frantzeskakis, Salem senior. Bands like Hilltop Drive, AP Brass Band and Starhead also performed.

Zoe Stirrett, Canton junior, and singer of Hilltop Drive says, “Music is a wonderful thing for all kids to experience, and there is so much impact that music can have on a person.” Stirrett adds that music has impacted her life in countless ways, and that she is so grateful to have a chance to help others experience the same thing.

During intermission there was a donation bake sale. All of the money went to Real Life. My Music. From the ticket sales and bake sale, the organization raised over $2,500.

After the finale of Lavender and Company performing “Come on Eileen,” Lena Pernell, founder of Real Life. My Music, said a little speech. Pernell said, “I want thank all of the wonderful, talented students who performed tonight, and thank you to everyone who came to help support this wonderful cause.”

Sexton says, “This concert was a lot of work to put together, but it was so worth it bringing all of those musicians together and benefiting such an incredible cause!”