As musicians demonstrated their talent through a multicolored, foggy atmosphere, the crowd blended into one. The room was filled with music lovers of all ages.

On Friday, May 13, a more-than-expected 850 people packed the Metro, a concert venue on Clark Street in Chicago, for “Voices for Choices,” a concert for Planned Parenthood organized by Parker senior Natasha Lerner that raised over $13,000.

Lerner’s inspiration for the benefit stemmed from her experiences with Planned Parenthood, art, and music. While working at the organization’s Chicago office in the summer of 2016, she “saw all of this important stuff that they did.”

“A lot of people rely on their health care system,” Lerner said of Planned Parenthood. “Health care is really important for everyone, so I wanted to plan a concert to raise money and awareness.”

Lerner did not anticipate the audience reaching the size that it did. “I’m friends with the Burns Twins,” Lerner said of Parker alumni Eddie and Isaac Burns ‘16, “so I thought we could just do a little concert.” After the Burns Twins committed to perform, Lerner got in touch with Planned Parenthood board member and Parker alum Ben Pritzker ‘99, who connected Lerner with Metro and with the band Wilde Belle, whose lead singers, Elliot and Natalie Bergman, graduated from Parker in 2007.

Lerner’s effort in planning this event was recognized both inside and outside of the Parker community. A little less than two months before the concert was held, an article was written about her in “DNAinfo Chicago” which not only promoted the event but also shed light on her achievement.

With Pritzker’s assistance, the lineup expanded to include bands Kopano and Yadda Yadda, and two slam poets, Walter Payton student Eva Lewis and Senn Arts graduate Ireon Roach, as well as Wild Belle.

With the Burns twins, Andrew Bedows, FWP ‘16 and Kaina Castillo make up the band “The Burns Twins X Kaina.” As the four demonstrated their talent, the crowd swayed to the beat of their music.

The group’s love for music and their views on Planned Parenthood encouraged them to play Lerner’s concert. “I have always thought that arts for a cause are really important,” the group’s wild-haired drummer, Eddie Burns, said, “and that’s why I do it.”

Many Parker students attended “Voices for Choices.” “I went because I love the Burns Twins, and I’ve never heard them in concert,” senior Austin O’Toole said. “I thought it was great.”

Not only was the concert enjoyable, but for some it was inspiring as well. “Watching this concert made me feel powerful and strong,” freshman Estelle Heltzer said. “No matter what is going on in life, we need to step up.”