Alums celebrate life of Nagraj '98 in concert
Dartmouth alumni will remember their friend Joe Nagraj '98 Saturday in New York City with a memorial concert. Nagraj passed away from a brain tumor in May, a little over a year after he was initially diagnosed with the condition.
Nagraj, who was a talented guitarist, played with each band scheduled to perform at the show at some point during his musical career.
Dorothy Hui '98 started organizing the concert, which falls on the same weekend as Brain Tumor Awareness Day, in the wake of her friend's death. Hui also set up a website in Nagraj's honor to advertise the concert and increase brain tumor awareness.
"He may have suffered mild symptoms for years," the website reads. "If Joe had understood the importance of early detection, his tumor may have been treated years earlier and avoided the complications that led to his death."
Nagraj fell into a coma on May 8 after suffering a massive seizure, from which emergency surgery could not save him.
The concert's organizers hope the event will help others deal with the difficulties Nagraj faced during his illness.
While at Dartmouth, Nagraj played guitar extensively and was a founding member of the band Stand Up Eight. He continued to play in bands with many Dartmouth alumni after graduation, all of whom will come together Saturday night to play in his memory.
"It seemed only fitting to remember him in a night of music," Hui said, adding that she expects many alumni to fly to New York for the event this weekend.
The event's fundraising efforts will include a $15 suggested donation at the door and a raffle for donated goods. All proceeds will be donated to the Brain Tumor Foundation, an organization that supports brain tumor research and awareness.
Hui and others worked hard to coordinate a date when all the band members could come together, and Hui has also been working with the Brain Tumor Foundation and Nagraj's parents to compile information about brain tumors, which will be distributed at the event.
The event will be held Saturday at 7 p.m. at Arlene's Grocery on Stanton Street in New York City.
Brain Tumor Awareness Day, an annual event sponsored by the Brain Tumor Foundation, provides information and support to brain tumor patients, their caregivers and families. Over 250 people coping with their own tumors or a loved one's are expected to gather alongside prominent medical professionals to learn from each other at the concert. This year's convention will be held on Sunday at New York University Medical Center in New York City.
In addition to Stand Up Eight, the bands Loaded Dreams, Dimestore Scenario, The Corduroys and June Fool will play at the memorial concert.
