Corwin Garber

The concert included music by alumni Ryan McDermott and Paly band Furious George

Ryan McDermott, a former Palo Alto High School student known for his musical excellence, performed a concert in the Haymarket Theater on Jan. 8.

The concert, titled "Palo Alto Performs," featured McDermott and Furious George, a band made up of Paly students who opened for the concert.

Palo Alto Performs featured many different types of music, a trademark of McDermott's style.

His gospel, soul, R&B and hip-hop blend was complemented nicely by the alternative, indie style of Furious George.

"I wanted to play in a show in Palo Alto over the holidays and Haymarket was the perfect venue because it has that old vibe," McDermott said. "I wanted to play in there before the remodel."

The charitable concert went to three causes: Paly's choirs, the Palo Alto Downtown Streets team and the Global Aids Interfaith Alliance (GAIA).

"GAIA is very close to my heart," McDermott said. "My mom was on the board, and AIDS is an important issue in my family. It's an amazing organization; right now they are building homes in Malawi for children orphaned due to AIDS."

The Downtown Streets team also appealed to him after hearing about it through a friend.

"I wanted a charity that was Palo Alto-focused, and the Downtown Streets team is a great concept," McDermott said.

As for the Paly choirs, McDermott wanted to support a program he was a part of at his alma mater.

"I wanted to make a stand for music education,"McDermott said. "[Choir teacher Michael] Najar's program is one that I really respect. Overall, we raised over $2,000."

McDermott, who attends the University of Southern California, took last year off in order to pursue his goal of a career in music, but returned this fall to finish.

A self-proclaimed singer, writer, rapper and producer, McDermott is expected to make it into the music business and thrive.

"You are watching one of the best and believe me when I say he's going to break really soon," emcee, former teacher and Paly choir director Michael Najar said.

This attitude is mirrored by other students who attended the concert.

"I loved the concert, it was very entertaining and fun," Paly junior Neda Ronaghi said. "I think he will [break out], and if it's not soon then he will definitely be famous eventually."

McDermott's rhythm section, made up of stars such as keyboardist Paul Smith, percussionist Ron E. Beck and bassist Keith Hatchel, who previously played for Ike and Tina Turner, Carlos Santana and Natalie Cole, respectively, shows his potential and his ever-growing presence as a popular musician.

"It was an honor playing with guys like that," McDermott said. "They have a feel and style of playing you can't emulate."

He is also becoming increasingly well-known in the music world as well as in the Palo Alto community.

"I want to become a known figure worldwide who has the power to move people, said McDermott, on his imminent fame. "I want to become a public figure."

Growing up the son of a pastor, McDermott has always infused his writing and lyrics with poetic phrases which he intends to have great influence on his listeners.

"For me, it goes far beyond the music," McDermott said. "I love playing it, creating it, performing it, and I think it's the best way to express things to people."

McDermott wanted to appeal to more than just Paly kids.

"I want to communicate my message of love, social issues and politics to people," McDermott said. "Music is my way of doing that. I want to empower people by relating to them, to communicate how we as human beings need to treat each other."

McDermott is currently working on a song for Haiti with Earth, Wind, and Fire lead singer Bill Bailey.

"Its message says, 'when you have faith, everything will work out,'" McDermott said. "It's amazing when a bunch of people come together for a common goal. Anything can be accomplished."