Downsized AIDS benefit dance hits 'Sco tonight

For once, rave-craving students will be satisfied. Their entrance fees will go toward a good cause. Tonight at 10 p.m., Elevate  - the first-ever Oberlin College AIDS benefit concert - opens at the 'Sco and Wilder Snack Bar.

Presented as any other rave might be, with electrically-colored fliers and quips promising "the finest showcasing of techno and hip-hop Oberlin has ever seen," Elevate's concept runs deeper in meaning. Put on by Twelve Inches of Velvet, the entire show was masterminded by two College first-years, Dylan Ruga and Jonathan Lowe.

"I've always had a vision in my mind of doing something like this," said Lowe, who has participated in New York's division of the Red Hot Organization, an AIDS awareness group. Ruga has volunteered for an AIDS outreach program, Providing Open Hands, for the past four years. "We just wanted to throw a big party to keep the organizations supported while we're here," he said of his and Lowe's conceptual planning of the event.

The pair has been organizing the eight-DJ event for the past three months, experiencing simultaneously the excitement and hassles of putting on a concert. "We thought it was going be bigger," said Ruga, recalling the original plans to hold the event in Stevenson dining hall with twice as many DJs.

However, the event was downsized in recent weeks. "We didn't want it to get out of control," Ruga said. He also noted that the event has been limited to mostly Oberlin students. Others are allowed in the show by guest list only, in attempts to lessen potential problems. Ruga and Lowe were fairly flexible in meeting the administraton's guidelines, and were promised more extensive plans for future benefits. "This is only a preview," Lowe said. "Next year it's going to be huge."

Given an initial budget of $4,000 from the administration, Ruga and Lowe seem to have covered everything - from multiple lights, lazers and security to flying out their guest DJs from different corners of the country. Artists DJ Fesones, David Hollands and Mr.Kleen are guests from New York City, while West Coast DJ Franzen works with KMEL Radio in San Francisco. Ohio DJs Sleepy C and Melloman will also spin, as well as O'Keef from Philadelphia and Oberlin's own 12" Player. "We've publicized a lot," Ruga said, "but we just need numbers to raise the money. Anyone [who] comes helps."

Lowe agreed that the benefit's success relies mainly on attendance. "I want to call on the students to come to this," he said. "So many students say that they're so motivated and righteous, but never follow through. I want the entire school to come out."

Aside from the chaotic details involved with getting the show organized, its purpose has not been short-changed. All proceeds from the $5 entree fee will go to support local Ohio charities through the Red Hot Organization.