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Fairfax County teachers traded classrooms for the concert stage Dec. 7, performing at Jammin’ Java in Vienna and raising about $1,000 for Educate Fairfax.
The benefit featured two bands with local education ties: Vienna-based The Randos and Fairfax-based Aftermath. They played cover songs for an audience of parents and students.
The Randos perform music from the 1980s and 1990s, including songs by R.E.M., Talking Heads, The Cure and Van Morrison. The four-member group has appeared at Solace Brewing Company and Clare and Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church, as well as The Celtic House Irish Pub in Arlington. In May, the band joined other acts for an R.E.M. tribute at Jammin’ Java.
Dan Blanchet handled vocals during part of the December show. He leads the social studies department at Madison High School in Vienna. Singer Kristyn Woldow teaches music at an Arlington school, while multi-instrumentalist Beau Dure works primarily as a substitute teacher at Madison.
The musicians met several years ago through the School of Rock Adult Performance Program in Vienna.
Educate Fairfax is a nonprofit that addresses gaps in education funding. Its efforts include programs focused on food insecurity, school supplies and innovative learning opportunities, including Supplies for Success and Food for All.