More Than a Free Show

Arcade Fire Singer and ConU Alumna Chassagne Gives Talk

NewsDavid Murphy — Published September 25, 2011

Chassagne was joined by Madeleine Féquière, both of whom are Concordia alumni, and Dr. Paul Farmer, to speak about the devastation in Haiti and how to move on from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated the island nation in 2010.

“When the band started to get popular I realized, ‘Maybe this is going to be my real life. Maybe this is what I’m going to do—be a musician,’” said Chassagne. “Then I started to think about how this could benefit Haiti.”

Though Chassagne’s parents fled Haiti during François Duvalier’s dictatorship in the 1960s, she still feels a connection to the Caribbean nation. Hundreds of thousands of Haitians have died as a result of devasting hurricanes in 2004 and 2008 and the earthquake in 2010.

“I’m not a doctor, so what can I do? I can’t cure people or build things,” said Chassagne, explaining her thoughts during her first visit to the island. She eventually began to sing for the “skin and bone” children, which she said boosted their morale.

“It’s good to have not just the basic needs in life. Songs, something fun, helps you get through it,” she said.

Farmer explained the role of Haiti Compe—the project, whose name translates to “Rise Up Haiti,” is one that all three speakers are involved in—is to aid in fighting poverty and to raise awareness about the many needs of the Caribbean country.

“I may fight poverty my way, as a doctor; Madeleine will fight poverty as a successful businesswoman, and Régine fights poverty her way with Arcade Fire,” said Farmer. “I think that’s the message of Compe. It’s about bringing groups together, about breaking this cycle of poverty.”

Since the beginning of their latest tour last year, Arcade Fire have been donating a dollar, euro, or pound for every concert ticket they have sold towards Partners in Health, a non-profit organization that contributes to the Haitian cause.