A dozen Political Science students and Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies Christianna Nichols Leahy attended a benefit concert at the Hungarian Embassy, after Hungarian Ambassador to the U.S. András Simonyi personally invited them during a model European Union two weeks earlier. Simonyi doubles as a guitar player in the headlining band “The Coalition of the Willing.”

“They had just seen the ambassador in a suit and tie, and here he appears in ripped jeans and a t-shirt,” says Leahy. “The band played great rock and roll.”

The band offered more than a rockin' good time.

“As the only students invited, it was an interesting night,” says Maaret Klaber ’07. “We were able to reflect on what it means [for the band] to have played American music in a Soviet-influenced Hungary during the Cold War. It was a rebellion of sorts and has a stronger political connotation than one would normally think.”

In addition to Simonyi, “The Coalition of the Willing” features Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, formerly of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, and now an advisor on counter-terrorism and national security issues, on guitar; Lincoln Bloomfield, president of the international business advisory firm Palmer Coates LLC and former Assistant Secretary of State, on bass; Daniel Poneman, a principal with the Scowcroft Group and former presidential aide, on guitar; and USWIB Executive Director Dan McDermott on drums.

Students spotted World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz in the crowd.

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Henry Reiff also attended the event. Simonyi and Reiff previously played together at the Common Ground Blues Night.

The concert raised money for the families of three Hungarian fire fighters who died during a rescue operation in Budapest in August.