When Living Legends – BYU’s American Indian, Hispanic and Polynesian performing troupe – began its concert tour this month, the performers were met by the aftermath of drenching rains and wild storms that have inundated the American Midwest.
Arriving in Aberdeen, S.D., on May 10, the BYU students saw first-hand the results of a 12-inch downpour in 24 hours on May 6.
“The public library got hit pretty hard and the carpet was ruined, and they needed help pulling up the carpet and also removing all the books, shelves and desks,” said tour manager Michael Handley.
The performers immediately pitched in to help. “The librarians said it would have taken them two weeks to clean up without our help,” said Handley. “They were so appreciative that they all had tears in their eyes when we left.”
“All the workers followed us outside and stood on the sidewalk waving to us as we drove away,” he said.
“The sacrifice was that we didn't get any sightseeing in, but I don't think a single student minded,” said Handley. “What we did in Aberdeen was far more worthwhile, meaningful and memorable.”
The group then continued on its tour of American Indian reservations with a visit to Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.
Writer: Cecelia Fielding
