By Theresa Schliep

Musical guests Chiddy Bang and Saen. will perform at Fordham Dance Marathon (FDM) this year. The performance will join a night of dancing, performances and other activities at the Residence Halls Association (RHA) annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer.

Claire Polacheck, FCRH ’19, vice president of RHA and executive director of FDM, said FDM hopes the concert will bring a different group of students to the night of fundraising.

“Music brings students together, and ending the 10-hour dance marathon with a concert seemed like the perfect way to go out with a bang,” Polacheck said. “We hope it will bring a new crowd of students in and serve as a great fundraiser.”

FDM benefits The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, an organization that raises money for pediatric cancer research and relief.

Admission to FDM, including the concert, is free to whose who fundraised $100 or more for FDM. Otherwise, tickets for entry to FDM and the concert cost $10 prior to the event or $15 at the door. FDM will take place in Lombardi Field House, instead of McGinley Second, where it has been held years prior.

FDM came up with the idea for a benefit concert last year, according to Haley Hauge, GSB ’18, operations coordinator for FDM. They did not end up hosting the event last year, but she said they learned from the process and started the planning process with some valuable lessons.

“This year, we hit the ground running and have been able to adequately prepare to make this event happen,” she said.

Hauge added that she is glad the event will be included in the actual dance marathon.

“I really think we lucked out as well as the concert will now be acting as a close to FDM which I anticipate to be a larger success than a separate concert would be,” Hauge said. “Were this concert to be a separate event from FDM, I would worry that attendees would lose the connection to the cause.”

Sara Chesnos, GSB ’19, president of RHA, said FDM is excited for the months of work to come to fruition.

“In addition to a great hip-hop artist, we are so excited to see our vision of holding up the numbers with the total amount raised for pediatric cancer in front of a whole new audience,” said Chesnos.

Chiddy Bang is known for their hit songs “Opposite of Adults” and “Mind Your Manners,” featuring Icona Pop. The opener, Saen., is an up-and-coming electronic production duo, according to JC Evans, entertainment chair for FDM.

“Their live set includes electric guitar, cello, keys and drums, all while maintaining a high-energy electronic set,” said Evans, who is also manager for Saen.

Hauge said she hopes this event will popularize FDM for years to come.

“In regard to ensuring the event does not plateau and experiences significant growth for years to come, I feel that this was a very strategic move,” she said. “Assuming all goes well this year, this event lays the framework and expectation that FDM will have similar components in the future and leads to the potential for bigger name artists, higher attendance and overall a more successful future.”