‘Human iPod’ coming to Monmouth

By: Kyle Christensen
Features Editor

Have you ever had that one favorite song of yours constantly on your mind that you just cannot get out of your head? In some respects, musician-singer John Rush, who will be performing on campus next week, uses that same problem to his advantage.

Known as the “Human iPod” by some, Rush not only has the vocal chops and instrumental mastery to entertain a crowd, but brings with him a repertoire of countless classic songs from various eclectic genres which he can play and belt out at the drop of a hat – and all from his memory!

On Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m. in Scotland Yard, Rush will be dazzling listeners, free of charge, with this amazing showcase, as audiences can request to hear some of their favorite tunes, or even sample a few of his own originally written tracks.

Bryan Blanks, special events chairperson for the Association for Student Activity Programming (ASAP), the organization sponsoring Rush’s appearance, states that Rush, “is a versatile performer, who plays to a variety of different tastes. He not only provides great vocals, but he adds guitar and drums to give songs their original feel. This isn’t [Rush’s] first visit to our campus. We’ve had [him] perform at Monmouth in the past and he was such a huge success that we jumped on the chance to have him back.”

John Rush’s debut CD, “They Don’t Know My Name,” was a critically-acclaimed collection, and he has since released two more compilations, “Songs from the Road,” a live recording edition, and “Always Touring.” Very popular in the college circuit, following his gig at Monmouth, Rush will be visiting such campuses this year as Indiana State University, Pennsylvania State University and the University of New Hampshire.

Future musical acts to visit Monmouth College, courtesy of ASAP, include Chicago native Dave Tamkin and country artist Shevy Smith on March 22 and April 30, respectively.