In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, sees the good & glorious Lafayette — and offers thanks to the community and YOU, who have chosen to be a part of the LUM family. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others.

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. 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 next Fall, and are members of immigrant families.

Formed in July 2020, the Monkey Maestros began making music in Zain Hafeez’s basement and recently performed their first live performance at the VFW hall (pictured above). Since they are all attending Purdue 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. SEE BELOW and read more about the members of the Monkey Maestros.

If you attend Port of Hope, you will witness the beginning of the journey of the Monkey Maestros. There is limited space at the Port of Hope event; so, get your tickets today.

The LUM Emergency Shelter needs Overnight Shelter Volunteers 365 nights a year from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. or 8 p.m. to midnight. Duties include checking in guests, serving dinner, distributing toiletries and maintaining a welcoming, safe & clean space. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

LUM is ready for the return of volunteers to the shelter. Please consider coming back — and assisting the LUM Emergency Shelter as the colder weather approaches. LUM follows strict COVD-19 protocols for the safety of our guests, our staff and our volunteers. If you have any questions, please email Jeffrey Auguste, LUM shelter director, at jauguste@lumserve.org.

If you or your group wishes to prepare a meal, click HERE. You may stay and serve from 8-10 p.m. or drop off your meal at 8 p.m.

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 for 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.

Brendon 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. Brendon is also active with his church, St. Thomas Aquinas. 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.