Copperman raises over $700 for debut record production

Kathryn Gariano / contributing photographer Junior Ross Copperman performs as the headliner of nine performances Monday night to raise money for his debut album.

The night may have looked bleak from outside Grafton-Stovall Theatre Monday, but the interior of the venue was filled with a genial, energetic mood as the audience settled in for the Ross Copperman and Friends concert.

The concert was free, but the performers asked that the audience donate money toward helping Copperman produce his first album. Copperman recorded the album, due out in April, over Winter Break with country singer Phil Vassar's band. Copperman was close to his $1,000 goal, raising a little over $700, according to senior Gabby Revilla, Copperman's manager.

The extravaganza featured the talents of piano-rock artist Ross Copperman, a junior, and such JMU a capella groups Note-Oriety, Into Hymn, Low Key, Exit 245 and the Overtones. The evening also featured a theatric performance by Exit 247 B-Flat Project (a group of 11 male Student Ambassadors who convened to mock the a capella groups and Copperman), as well as solo performers Graham Cochrane and Brian King, two juniors who play acoustic guitar.

Copperman's publicist, sophomore Katherine Ross, said she was hoping for at least a substantial crowd, "especially with Ziggy Marley and Ace and Mallory of ‘The Real World' being here." Despite the looming presence of other campus events that night, more than 420 supporters attended the show.

The concert kicked off with crowd-pleasing guitar performances and innovative a capella arrangements of rock, pop and oldies tunes. The masters of ceremonies, senior Lyndsey Walther-Thomas and freshman John Robinson — decked out in their pimping best — provided comic relief between sets.

"Oh, wait. Why are we having this concert? 'Cause Ross is po'," Robinson said, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Copperman's father, who was in the audience, responded to Robinson. "The more you guys pay, the less I have to."

Highlights of the show included a Ben Folds Five "Zak and Sara" duet à la Exit 245 and Copperman, King's comedic "Midnight Poo," and the standing ovation Exit 247 B-Flat Project received for its a dance-off rendition of Britney Spears' "Toxic," which the group performed wearing a standard uniform of T-shirts and white boxers.

Sophomore Rachel Cubas she was very impressed by so much musical talent supporting each other, all in one venue.

Copperman's performance was saved for the end of the event. Copperman's unruffled composure also shined through when after a audio failure, he picked up a guitar impromptu and serenaded the crowd, sans amplifiers.

His polish was evident from Copperman's humorous tributes to Clay Aiken and Enrique Iglesias and the exploratory rock-rap duet with Carrington Faulk.

Copperman's whole performance was truly indicative of expert showmanship and the fruits of his piano lessons since the age of 4.

Senior Kristen Tomlinson, leader of Copperman's street team — a grassroots organization that publicizes events through various media — was pleased with the turnout and said, "Ross' passion really comes through in his music. Being part of his street team, helping him make his dream come true, really makes us feel good."

Following his performance, Copperman thanked everyone for "contributing to this, and coming together to help me out. I couldn't do any of this without all of the fans that come to every show, my street team and especially my manager Gabby Revilla, who has taken my career to a whole new level."