February 23, 2016
Harry Potter inspired benefit concert on Saturday, Feb. 27
Fans of Harry Potter, music and reading are invited to "The Weapon We Have is Love: A Multi-Fandom Concert for Literacy," featuring music about Rowling's series and other popular texts.
Inspired by J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, the concert is from 8-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, in the K-State Student Union. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m.
Performers include Tonks and the Aurors, Draco and the Malfoys, and Harry and the Potters.
"Wizard rock remains a popular way for fans to express their love for the world Rowling has created, even though the series itself has ended," said Karin Westman, head of the K-State department of English and faculty advisor for K-State's chapter of the Harry Potter Alliance. "Wizard rock celebrates reading, but it also celebrates the themes of Rowling's series, which include the importance of community, literacy and social justice."
The wizard rock movement has raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity through its recordings and performances, Westman said.
Saturday's concert benefits First Book, a nonprofit organization that provides disadvantaged children with books, with funds targeting the local First Book advisory board of Geary County.
"The English department is happy to join with other organizations on campus to support this benefit concert," she said.
Event sponsors include K-State's Harry Potter Alliance, the Children's and Adolescent Literature Community, the department of English and the Student Governing Association.
Tickets are free to K-State students with a valid K-State ID and $10 for the general public. Tickets are available for advance purchase online and at the door. More information about the concert is available at the Facebook event page.