Monkey Maestros to Play at Port of Hope
Monkey Maestros’ Members from Immigrant Families
LUM is thrilled to announce that the Monkey Maestros will be performing at the annual Port of Hope fundraising event for the LUM Immigration Clinic on Thursday, November 4. The members of the Monkey Maestros have a lot in common. They grew up together in West Lafayette, are seniors at West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School, plan on attending Purdue University next Fall, and are all members of an immigrant family.
The Monkey Maestros formed in July 2020. Zain Hafeez told his friends how much he loved playing his guitar. They were excited about forming a band. Zain recruited Robert Fligor to join the band and learn how to play the bass guitar. They recruited Brendan Duffy, a gifted vocalist, and Robert Richards, a talented keyboard player, and then convinced William Kwon to be their drummer. Using borrowed, bought and donated equipment, they began to make music in Zain’s basement. Although the band formed just for fun, family members encouraged them and arranged a live performance of the Monkey Maestros at the VFW hall last September (pictured above).
Since they are all attending Purdue University next Fall, they plan on performing together for at least the next four and a half years. The Monkey Maestros play cover music by Cream, Pink Floyd, The Beatles and more. They have already begun to write their own music and will be performing original music soon. If you attend Port of Hope, you will witness the beginning of the journey of the Monkey Maestros. SEE BELOW and read more about the members of the Monkey Maestros. There is limited space at the Port of Hope event; so, get your tickets today.
Monkey Maestros – Members
Zain Hafeez grew up and lives in West Lafayette with his parents and their cat, Billu; and he has a sister who lives in Chicago. His father is from Pakistan, and his maternal grandparents are from India. At West Lafayette High School, he is the president of the Astronomy Club, plays the violin in the orchestra, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, Zain is active with Deaf Kids Code, a nonprofit organization founded by his mother. He plans on attending Purdue next Fall pursuing a degree in Physics. With the Monkey Maestros, Zain is the guitarist. His musical influences are BB King, Cream, Eric Clapton and The Doors.
Robert Fligor grew up and lives in West Lafayette with his parents, his younger sister and their dog. His mother is from Ukraine (formerly the Soviet Union). At West Lafayette High School, he is active with the FIRST Robotics Team, Hack Club and Game Club. He plans on attending Purdue next Fall pursuing a degree in Engineering. With the Monkey Maestros, Robert plays the bass guitar. His musical influences are the bassist, Flea, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
William Kwon grew up and lives in West Lafayette with his parents and his older sister. His mother and father are from South Korea. At West Lafayette High School, Williams plays trumpet in Symphonic Band and Jazz Band, is active with the FIRST Robotics Team and is co-president of Hack Club. He plans on attending Purdue next Fall pursuing a degree in Computer Science. With the Monkey Maestros, William is the drummer. He is inspired by mainstream pop music.
Robert Richards was born in Kentucky and lived in Hawaii, Clemson, NC and South Korea. He now lives in West Lafayette with his parents and his two brothers. His father served many years in the US military, and his mother is from South Korea. At West Lafayette High School, he plays trombone in the Pep Band, Marching Band and Jazz Band; is active with the FIRST Robotics Team; and is a member of the UNICEF Club and Generation to Generation Art Club. He plans on attending Purdue next Fall pursuing a degree in Engineering. With the Monkey Maestros, Robert plays keyboards, piano, and rhythm guitar. His musical influences are Pink Floyd and David Gilmore.
Brendan Duffy was born in Mississippi, lived in Moscow for a year, and lives in West Lafayette with his parents, two brothers, and five sisters. At West Lafayette High School, he is on the baseball team, is the Senior Class representative to the Student Council, a part of the acapella vocal group, Priority Male, and is a member of the Game Club, Chess Club, National Honor Society, and Société Honoraire de Français. With his church, St. Thomas Aquinas, Brendan participates in CTEC. He plans on attending Purdue next Fall pursuing a degree in Engineering. With the Monkey Maestros, Brendan is the vocalist. His musical influences are Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Josh Groban.
Port of Hope – event information
Port of Hope is an exciting fundraising event benefiting the LUM Immigration Clinic. Port of Hope is a festive event with lots of food, dancing, and fun, including hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, live performances, and a cash bar. Port of Hope details are as follows:
- Date: Thursday, November 4
- Time: 5:30 – 8 p.m.
- Place: Lafayette Brewing Co., 622 Main St., Lafayette
- Tickets: $50 per person
If your business or group would like to become an event sponsor, email poh@LUMserve.org. For more information, to purchase tickets or to make a donation, go to LUMserve.org/port-of-hope.
All funds raised support the continued mission of the LUM Immigration Clinic. If you are not able to attend, your donation would still be greatly appreciated.