On Oct. 25, the Phi Mus of Samford hosted their annual Bonnamu concert and philanthropy event, headlined by the band Colony House. This year, the event proceeds were donated to Children’s of Alabama, a non-profit pediatric hospital in Birmingham.
Before the main event, Phi Mu’s Philanthropy Chair Lauren Perkins introduced mother and daughter Natalie and Janai onto the stage to talk about their experience in Children’s Hospital. Perkins gave Janai the opportunity to sing a song to the crowd, as well.
“[Janai] is such an inspiration and so full of joy,” Perkins commented. “They [both] so generously agreed to donate their time to come and be a part of this day!”
Perkins started planning Bonnamu in March, a long process that involved reaching out to numerous bands and venues.
“Truly I am in awe of how well Bonnamu went,” she said. “It’s so special to see something that I have worked on so hard finally happen and it was better than I could have ever imagined. I’m so grateful to everyone who assisted and supported me.”
Shortly after Perkins’ introduction, Colony House took the stage and rocked the night away. After opening their performance with the upbeat song “Landlocked Surf Rock,” lead singer Caleb Chapman thanked the crowd.
“Whether you’re enjoying it or not, thank you for allowing us to do this, ‘cause it fills us up, and the fact that we get to support something [is] so amazing,” Chapman said. “[Especially] whenever we get to support children and hospitals doing good work for children… We are proud and honored to be here!”
Bonnamu proved to be both a lively and successful night. Junior exercise science major Erin Baines, who rushed Phi Mu last fall, shared her experience at Bonnamu.
“This year, I got to hang out with new people,” Baines said. “It was so much fun to just chill and listen to music while also supporting a great cause!”
Staff Writer
