When Lauren Weinberger ’13 decided that she wanted to do something to raise funds for research to find a cure for heart disease, she put Fairfield County student’s prominent performing and musical talents to good use by creating a benefit concert called Listen to the Beat.

The third annual Listen to the Beat Concert will take place on Sat., May 4 at 8 p.m. at Toquet Hall. All proceeds will be given to the American Heart Association.

Over the past two years, the concert has proven successful.

“The community has really embraced the event! There is a nice turn out every year and the majority of the seats are filled,” Weinberger said.

In the two years combined, the concert has raised just under $10,000 for the cause. Weinberger chose to give the proceeds to the American Heart Association because, not only does heart disease run in her family, but because it affects so many.

“Almost everyone knows someone or is somehow affected by heart disease,” Weinberger said.

The concert will showcase 23 students (most from Staples and a handful from Weston High School) from grades 10-12 who will perform Broadway songs for the first act and pop songs ranging from Adele to The Beatles during the second act.

One of the performers, Jacqueline Devine ’13, loves that her passion for music can help aid researchers in looking for a heart disease cure. She also believes that the concert is successful because of the performers who participate.

“People get to watch some of the most talented people in Fairfield County knowing that they are helping raise money for heart disease [research],” Devine said.

Another performer, August Laska ’13, feels lucky that this town allows them the resources to put on a great benefit concert. He loves knowing that his performing can contribute to the American Heart Association.

“I like being a part of the concerts because I know we are doing what we love for a good cause,” Laska said. “We are so fortunate that we get to perform and help people at the same time.”