Last Wednesday marked the 30th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that granted women the right to legal abortion. To celebrate this occasion, the Brandeis Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA) hosted Rock for Choice, a benefit concert to raise awareness for this important cause. Rock for Choice was organized by FMLA members Lily Davidson '03, Sarah Friedman '03 and Samantha Papurt '05 and co-sponsored by Student Events. It was emceed by Student Union President Ben Brandzel '03 and included such varied musical performers as Evan Cohen '05, Rebecca Katz '05, Swallow the Leader, the Doplar Ephekt and Hartford-based band Swivelhips.

Rock for Choice was first organized in 1991 by the female rock bank L7 to encourage the music community to help protect abortion rights. Over the years, performers in this movement have included Nirvana, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, No Doubt, Sarah McLachlan and others, according to feminist.org.

Davidson was excited about debuting Rock for Choice at Brandeis, saying "(all the bands) were really interested" in participating and that the event "is organized around important issues." The money raised from the concert, strictly from donations, will go towards increasing access to clinics for women who wish to have abortions. Davidson also wanted to raise FMLA's profile on campus and thought a Rock for Choice concert would "be a great time, while helping people link personal choices to a greater social context."

The evening began with a smattering of people, gathered on couches and around candle-lit tables in the Shapiro Campus Center. "Happy Birthday, Roe" signs and colored lights decorated the atrium. Cohen took the stage before a modest crowd and proceeded to entertain the audience with his earnest, heartfelt singing, accompanied by his guitar playing.

Katz was up next, performing covers such as Melissa Etheridge's "Come to My Window" and originals like "Storming the Castle," inspired by Brandeis' own beloved residence hall, and an as-yet-untitled song composed just that afternoon. Her strong, confident voice filled the atrium as the crowd grew larger.

Swallow the Leader, consisting of Brandeis students Mark Hopkins '03, Dave Earls '03, Chris Bersbach '03 and Evan Cohen, a Brandeis favorite, arrived on stage to shake things up a bit. With a sound reminiscent of Nirvana, they played original songs as well as some covers, and ended with a raucous rendition of the Strokes' "Last Nite." By the end of their set, there was a small but energetic group of dancers on the floor.

The curiously named Doplar Ephekt, made up of Yari Sigal '03, Alex Bean '05, Zach Goldman '04, Josh Chappie '03 and Aaron Moulin (Grad) took the stage next. In their debut performance, the band's funky, experimental sound relaxed the mood quite a bit. There were a few strictly instrumental songs, which, after a while, began to put me to sleep, but I still appreciated the diversity of the bands selected, from Swallow the Leader's hard-rock sound to Doplar's mellowed-out tone.

At 11 p.m., the final act of the night, Swivelhips, took the stage. A small but devoted crowd stayed until the end and were rewarded with the rocking sound of these very talented performers. Swivelhips, who have opened for such performers as Me'shell Ndegeocello, the Neville Brothers and Juliana Hartfield, are a Hartford-based group with four core members. Unfortunately, their sax player broke her hand and couldn't make it to the show. "We're pretty high-energy and bring a good party," explained lead vocalist and guitarist Dawn Lozefski. Other members include Deborah Simmons on keyboard and Deb Piccolo on the drums.

Swivelhips started as Dawn and Deb's duo in 1996. "We wanted to keep an all-girl band, but then we let Breck in," says Lozefski, referring to a former member. "The vibe is really strong in an all-female band," she added "There's a chemistry we have."

"We're a band for the people," Lozefski said. When asked if they were looking forward to playing Rock for Choice, she replied, "Definitely! We'll take on anything that's a good cause." The Roe v. Wade debate is of particular significance to the band's members. "Everyone has equal rights, period," Lozefski said.

Swivelhips' sound is loud and high-energy. Quite comfortable on a stage, decorated with a hot pink boa and rainbow lights, the band played fierce guitar and keyboard-driven rock. Their diverse sound was reflected in their audience. "People from all walks of life come to our shows," Lozefski said. "We don't sit in a category."

According to Davidson, Roe v. Wade did not only affect women, but everyone. "Men should also fight for this cause," she said. "It's the choices and lives of their sisters, their girlfriends that are at stake." It was a night about celebrating that monumental decision, and making sure we don't regress in the progress we made that day.

At the end of the night, Ben Brandzel, who had been providing tidbits of abortion-rights information between acts, informed the audience that the grand total raised for the evening was $580.