Oct 29, 2007 -- The doors for the Avraham Fried concert opened to a long line of students. “Ladies, one at a time!” urged the security guard as these early arrivals, mostly female, put on their blue admission bracelets and began to fill the auditorium of the Geraldine Schottenstein Cultural Center. The free event, made possible by the philanthropy of Lori Schottenstein and the Schottenstein family, had students in both a festive and appreciative mood. “It’s an unbelievable idea to bring YU students together,” said David, a YU student from Toronto. “A free concert—it creates a healthy, happy atmosphere.” To view photos of the concert click here. Over the past 30 years the Schottenstein family, based in Columbus, Ohio, has established a legacy of caring and community-building at YU through multiple charitable gifts. Their donations have created and upgraded academic facilities, established the YC honors program, and in 2000 built the Geraldine Schottenstein Cultural Center. Last year Lori Schottenstein, daughter of Geraldine and the late Jerome Schottenstein, initiated the Lori Schottenstein Annual Cultural Festival, a series of four free concerts to be held at YU. Avraham Fried is the second performer to appear. Lori Schottenstein was the evening’s guest of honor. “It makes me feel like I’m 20 years old again,” Ms. Schottenstein said as she entered the auditorium. “It makes me feel very special to see the enthusiasm of the students. I hope to continue to give to students good memories from good things that happen here,” she added. “Tonight is a gift to us from Lori Schottenstein,” President Richard M. Joel said as he greeted the crowd, “and we are delighted and honored to share that gift.” The guest of honor then received a bouquet of flowers on behalf of Stern College, and Ms. Schottenstein, clearly moved, remarked, “I’m sure my father would be very proud.” Speeches complete, it was time for the show. The stage, dimly lit with YU blue, came alive with white lights, a conga drum beat started up, the bass kicked in, a saxophone solo snaked its way through the hall, and if you closed your eyes for a minute you may have thought you were at the Blue Note or the Village Vanguard. Fried has produced dozens of albums and performed all across the world since he began his music career 28 years ago. His strong cantorial voice combined with the steady percussion and a twinkle of keys and strings soon had the whole audience singing and clapping. While his musicians soloed, he would sway and then kick in the air and belt out “Malechai Eloh-i-i-i-i-i-m!” He directed the crowd to chant “Ayyyyy…” in undertone as he chanted blessings above. Students joined with him as he intently sang Gesher Tzar Ma’od. Throughout the whole concert a smile never left his face. Between songs, Fried often addressed the audience. He spoke about peace for klal Yisrael, and how Jewish songs are not solely about the music, but the divine inspiration behind it. “You know the psalm but I know the shepherd,” he said, quoting a man who once reputedly said those words to the famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti. “That is what makes us special as a Jewish people.” The confluence of special performer and special purpose, special benefactor and special community made students like Ariela and David appreciate what they have in YU, and what they leave behind once they move on. Perhaps Ariela summed up such sentiment best. “If they made free Avraham Fried concerts every year,” Ariela quipped, “I wouldn’t graduate.”