Songs for Scholars to raise money for Eisenhower student scholarships

Indie rock musicians Backyard Tire Fire and Robert Rolfe Feddersen will perform at the Songs for Scholars benefit concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 9 at Blue Island Beer Company.

The annual event is a fundraiser for the Dwight D. Eisenhower High School Scholarship Fund. All proceeds will benefit Eisenhower students applying for colleges or trade schools.

“It’s a really fun time,” said Eisenhower school counselor Greg Foertsch, who started Songs for Scholars in 2023. “You’re listening to music while making money for our scholarship fund. It’s great.”

Feddersen—who formerly toured with Metallica as part of the band Loudmouth—is performing a tribute show honoring the late producer Steve Albini, who worked with Nirvana, the Pixies, and Cheap Trick. Albini, who died of a heart attack in May 2024, produced Feddersen’s latest album, “Radioville.”

The idea for Songs for Scholars came after Foertsch’s girlfriend paid for a private concert by Edward David Anderson—the lead singer of Backyard Tire Fire—as a Christmas gift. Instead of accepting the private concert, Foertsch paid it forward by opening the performance to the public as a fundraiser.

“I’m part of the school scholarship committee, and I thought it would be great to make this a fundraiser,” Foertsch said. “Ed was down for it.”

Last year, Songs for Scholars raised about $3,000 for Eisenhower college scholarships. This year, the goal is to raise $5,000.

Songs for Scholars has two sponsors: The Lyric Theater and Natural Law Cocktail Club & Eatery. The event is still seeking additional sponsors.

Concert tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the door or in advance. Songs for Scholars is also selling T-shirts for $20. To buy tickets or shirts, visit https://chsd218.revtrak.net/EHS/dde-songs-for-scholars/#/list.