By Judy Carmack Bross
Interim Lake Forest College President Rob Krebs welcomes guests to the recent musical Salon headlined by Farayi Malek.
If you had been driving through Lake Forest close to the Lake Forest College chapel on a recent Friday evening, the vibrant songs of rising superstar from the Berklee College of Music Farayi Malek, the sweet music of a mandolin and jazz vibes from bass and percussion, punctuated by the singing and clapping of an exultant audience, would have caused you to pull over to participate.
Musicians at the Lake Forest College Chapel for the recent Salon.
The Grammy nominated vocalist, writer and instructor had Lake Forest faculty, students occupying the front rows, donors and other community members on their feet in celebration at the latest community cultural event planned by investment banker, higher education leader and philanthropist Bob Murley, a trustee of both Lake Forest College and the Berklee College of Music in Boston, the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world.
Bob and Mimi Murley
Last fall, Bob’s wife Mimi brought the brilliant photographer Laura Wilson for a gallery show from her latest publication, The Writers. Laura, tutored under Richard Avedon, gained fame featuring subjects from cowboys to celebrities such as her sons Owen and Luke. The Murleys are bringing together those distinct communities known as town and gown into an all-new definition of cultural enrichment.
The Idaho born Malek grew up loving bluegrass, American folk and gospel, with influences from her Zimbawean father. Now a Grammy nominated vocalist, writer and instructor, she has been called by former President of Berklee and founder of the Salt Lick Incubator Roger Brown as a “once in a generation voice.” Her mandolin accompanist from Wyoming went to Berklee because it was the only school in the country to teach the mandolin. The bass player and the percussionist both played in the Chicago Jazz Festival last summer. All four musicians attended the Berklee Global Jazz Institute.
Interim Lake Forest College President Rob Krebs with Mimi Murley
We spoke afterwards with Rob Krebs about how much he is enjoying his Lake Forest College post and events such as the Salon:
“It’s an honor to serve the college in this way. I’ve been in the job for a couple months and while it’s very different from being in the railroad industry for 35 years. It’s been very rewarding. First, smaller liberal arts colleges like Lake Forest College are the backbone of American education. They prepare each one of us to realize our own unique potential. Lake Forest College does it better than any institution I know of.
“When I welcomed guests to the Salon, I stated that Lake Forest College feels like we are a part of the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff community and we want the community to feel like they are part of the College. We have so much to offer from educational opportunities, to cultural and athletic events – there is truly something for everyone.”
Bob Murley, who has been an Trustee of his alma mater Princeton for the past 20 years and the Chairman Emeritus of the Board of the Educational Testing Service, has served as Chair of UCLA’s Anderson School of Business as well as on the board of many local non-profits and educational institutions, finds his connection with Berklee very satisfying.
“This first performance was a test drive, and we are hoping to do it again. The goal is to bring more music to Lake Forest and Lake Bluff and to build key ties with the community. When Lake Forest College shares great learning experiences, speakers, musicians and artists, it becomes a lasting partnership with the community.”
“I really enjoy my association with Berklee. Bringing musicians like Farayi to Lake Forest College brought great joy. Mimi and I like a broad range of music. Mimi serves on the board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra I played the French horn and the trumpet as a child. I often joke that I like all music genres, including reggae– sometimes people even confuse me with Bob Marley.”
“Berklee musicians have joined us over several summers for Salons at our home in New Hampshire. When asked if we could persuade them to give a concert at Lake Forest College they enthusiastically said, “ Yes”. These young people who are launching their careers are the kind that one day you will say ‘I knew them when’. The messages they send are global.”
Jim Luccesse, new President of Berklee College of Music added: “Those types of moments have such a huge impact — on the audience and on the performers.”
Several members of the Lake Forest band were in attendance and Scott Edgar, Chair of the Music Department, commented:
“The Department of Music saw this as a huge success. It is not every day that someone like Farayi Malek graces the stage at our chapel. Our students and faculty left the event inspired and encouraged to work even harder to be the best musicians we can be. Farayi and I are already in contact to see if there are any connections that make sense between her work and the College. Songwriting and recording technology are current initiatives that she could help with.”
Berklee College of Music performers with Mimi and Bob Murley
She said that she is all about the music and makes a point of presenting herself simply, avoids profanity, and seeks depth in her lyrics. Mimi Murley, who serves with Bob and fellow parishioner Mike Zafirovski on the Faith@Work project at Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, said, “Farayi described herself as a person of faith. It was uplifting to see how she incorporated that in her compositions.”
Rob Krebs, Susan Depree and Mike Zafirovski
As Lake Forest resident Susan Depree said:
“Farayi’s music truly stands out. She and her band members were a delight to talk to. It was a privilege to hear her sing. And thankfully Spotify will be my enabler to hear her often. What the Murley’s have done for the College via town and gown is invaluable. These fascinating programs have brought so many into the College community. We are all beginning to connect and reconnect with LFC, expanding our horizons and enjoying all of it! I’m sure last night also offered to some the reassurance that the College is alive and well and marching forward with momentum.”
Lake Forest resident Brenda Dick who has been involved with Lake Forest College for many years embraced the burgeoning town and gown connection with gusto:
“You could feel the electric anticipation in the chapel. The choice of band was the right mix of new, talented, young, welcoming, and energetic. The band members exuded positivity and fun and my, they are good! Here we were in the midst of January in Illinois. We were ready for a good time—- and it felt good! “
Susan Trees added:
“What a surprising and joyous encounter with this stunning artist. It was such a gift for all of us to be introduced to this rich, moving, dynamic voice and her innovative and exciting compositions fusing jazz, gospel and diverse genres. It was truly a happy and inspiring community experience.”
To learn more about Lake Forest College, visit lakeforest.edu
