Dr. Randy Settoon, business professor and  Dr. Joseph Burns, communication professor played guitar at their rock band’s benefit concert at the Columbia Theatre, while Dr. Ralph Wood, health education professor, played drums in the background. Dr. Daniel McCarthy and Dr. William Robison also played for Impaired Faculties. 
Regina Pergola/The Lion's Roar

Impaired Faculties, a band composed of tenured university professors, performed rock music to a diverse audience. They played a set list of  Beatles songs as well as Impaired Faculties originals. 

The concert was held at the Columbia Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. 

Jacob Kety, a senior communication major explained that his interest in the concert was a result of knowing the lead guitarist, Dr. Joseph Burns, a communication professor and graduate coordinator of masters of arts program in organizational communication.

“It’s great,” said Kety. “I’ve been a student of Dr. Burns for about two years now and I’ve never actually seen him in his own element. It’s clear to me he’s having a real good time up there. My favorite part was when they sang ‘Waterlines’ because I think that’s a really good song. I think they did it for a real good cause and they had good motives and intentions behind it.”

Mark Dispenza, another attendee, explained his relationship with Burns and his enjoyment of the band’s original song, “Waterlines.” 

“One of the band members, Dr. Joe Burns, is a neighbor of mine,” said Dispenza. “I’ve heard him play before and I know he’s really good. I downloaded the flood relief song that they did and I wanted to see him play when I saw him on the Columbia’s play list calendar. I’m enjoying it very much. They’re really good.”

“Waterlines” was a song created after the impact of the recent flooding with the intention to help the flood victims.  

Randy Settoon, professor in the department of management and business, gave some brief background information of “Waterlines” to the audience, including the personal significance it held for him and the short process in which they were able to complete the song and release it. 

“I was stranded for a couple days,” said Settoon. “I think it was Sunday and the water started to retreat. We were talking about this song and we recorded and released it. We listened to it, and it sounded good.”

Burns elaborated on the popularity of their song and took pride in the help it would provide local people.

“It’s been quite successful, both in sales and in social media,” said Burns. “A tremendous number of shares, views and we’re gonna present a big check to the school, that will then give it to the people who are in need. It’s a hit. We’re absolutely giddy. I mean, give me a break, we’re 50 plus year old guys that play rock songs and darned if we have a hit, and it did great things.”

Dan McCarthy, Dean of the college of Science and Technology, expressed how he liked the set and how the band plays.

 “We play locally, but it’s good to do a benefit,” said McCarthy. “This is our third benefit for the Columbia round here. It’s Columbia and Fanfare. I really did like our Beatles set. I had a blast with that. It was really fun. That would have to be the highlight.” 

Other band members elaborated on how “Waterlines” helped the people before being given the monetary donation.

“One of the best things it does is people got in touch with us and went, ‘I felt really horrible and I heard this and it made me feel better for a little while,”’ said Dr. William Robison, department head and professor of history. “It doesn’t build your house back up, but if it makes you feel better for a few minutes, then that’s pretty cool.”

Proceeds from the ticket sales and the T-shirts sold went to the Columbia and to the funding of Fanfare.