By Winslow Laroche

The popular rock band Coheed and Cambria performed an intimate acoustic set at Hofstra USA on Tuesday. Sponsored by Hofstra Concerts, the prime goal of the event aimed to raise money for the independently-owned Suffolk County record store Looney Tunes, which burnt down this August.

Coheed and Cambria’s label, Sony, approved the event, which was arranged by the Sony representative for the University. Tuesday also marked the U.S. release date of the band’s new album, “No World For Tomorrow”, and the event was billed as a listening party for the new disc. Looney Tunes was known for listening parties that allowed fans to hear bands’ latest work in an intimate setting and get their CD at a reduced price. A “listening party” often included an intimate performance from the featured band, such as the “party” held Tuesday.

Students who paid for the $10 ticket to the event received a wristband that guaranteed access to the acoustic performance by Coheed and Cambria, an autograph signing after the concert and a copy of the band’ss new CD.

Looney Tunes, the Long Island record store located in West Babylon which stood for 35 years, hosted the likes of Ozzy Osbourne and Staind in a small, intimate venue. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in merchandise and memorabilia, including 57 autographed guitars and countless gold and platinum records, were destroyed in the recent fire. “Keep us in your prayers, but have faith that we will be back stronger than ever,” owner Karl Groeger Jr. asked of customers and fans.

Hofstra Concerts has been hosting coffeehouses on campus as well as planning the concert in an effort to raise money for the cause. The half-hour acoustic set by Coheed and Cambria attracted over 300 students.The event was advertised by Facebook event invitations, flyers, posters and handouts, as well as a prominent display on the Looney Tunes Web site. “We should help with the rebuilding of Looney Tunes. I saw Fall Out Boy there and it was one of best ways to get up and close with a band. You can’t get it anywhere else,” a University student who wished to remain anonymous said.

For more information or to contribute to the Looney Tunes fund, visit www.looneytunescds.com or contact Hofstra Concerts.

Coheed and Cambria played an intimate acoustic set to a packed house Tuesday. The event coincided with the U.S. release of their new album.