President George Dennison exits stage left in the UC Ballroom after performing “You Win Again” at the Rock the World: UM Talent Show on Thursday night. The show was sponsored by Alpha Lambda Delta, the Honors Student Association, and American Indian Business Leaders. All proceeds will be donated to Doctors Without Borders to help earthquake victims in Haiti and Chile. (Ben Coulter/Montana Kaimin)

Dennison rocks talent show

by Lily Rabil | March 19, 2010 | Montana Kaimin

University of Montana President George Dennison rocked out at a benefit talent show on campus Thursday night.

A crowd of about 100 gathered in the University Center’s North Ballroom to watch a variety of student and faculty performances — everything from “bagpipes to bellydance.” 

Dennison played in some bands in his college days and said his love for music has not diminished. The audience applauded enthusiastically as he shook hands with Monte on stage. Before launching into his first song, Ray Charles’ “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” he said that though he used to play guitar, he hasn’t played much since the 1960s.

“I no longer have calluses on my hands, so I can’t play it,” he said.

However, his plan to just sing and avoid the instrument changed when he had trouble finding the right key for the song. After a few tries, he called on “Montana Idol” winner Tyler Barham, who’d performed “Hell on the Heart” by Eric Church earlier in the night.

“Can I use your guitar?” asked Dennison, looking out into the audience.

“For sure,” Barham answered.

Dennison continued the performance without any other hang-ups and followed up with “You Win Again” by Hank Williams. 

The talent show brought in roughly $1,200 from donations, raffle tickets and admission. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Doctors Without Borders for relief in Haiti and Chile.

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Rock the World: UM Talent Show from Montana Kaimin on Vimeo.

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