Tag Archives: bands

Unofficial Orientation 2021: Wes Music Scene

This is an update of hen’s coronavirus update of fern’s update of un meli-melo’s update of wilk‘s update of Maya‘s update of their post from 2015Q wrote about this in 2013 and 2014. Some things have changed, but the scene here is still ‘unique, zealous, and sweaty.’

This is part of our 2021 Unofficial Orientation Series. A quick reminder that you can check out the welcome post here and past years’ series here.

The more I talk to college kids at other schools, the more I realize how much the music scene at Wesleyan sets itself apart. Though we have them, we are not confined to house parties and bars — there’s music nearly every day, all week. Often, there’s so much music that you can’t possibly go to it all, but you try anyway.

Many student bands have gone on to greater things, like OvercoatsHeems (Himanshu Suri ’07) of Das Racist (Suri and Victor Vasquez ’06), Novelty DaughterAmanda Palmer ’98the RooksHenry Hall ’14 of Grand Cousin (RIP), AND MORE. It’s very special. What’s even better is that 95% of this stuff is totally free.

Right now large gatherings are still up in the air, but last year proves that Wes’ music can exist even in the era of social distancing. There were plenty of outdoor and virtual concerts the past two semesters, and that will surely continue this fall. Hopefully in the semesters to come the music scene will return even more to normal, so if you want to hype yourself up for that, read under the cut.

The MASH: Interviews with Good Morning CT, Bonanza, and Johnnie Gilmore ’18

The Mash at Wesleyan University, Sept. 9. (Photo by Caroline Kravitz)

As you probably know by now, there is a fun event coming up this weekend called The MASH. The MASH is a performance event that happens every year during the first week of classes. It provides spaces and resources for different bands, singers, and artists to share their talent. Shoutout to Harrison Nir ’19, the student intern who has done a ton of work to make this event happen this year, and also Hanna Orovec, the staff member in the CFA that oversees the event. Give Josh‘s post a read if you want to know more about how this all came together. All of the groups that perform are Wesleyan affiliated, whether it be alumni bands like the one Michael Roth ’78 is in, faculty artists, or new ensembles like Good Morning Connecticut (GMCT). Below are some short interviews of student bands, including the aforementioned group GMCT, and another called Bonanza. We’ve also got some words from bassist Johnnie Gilmore ’18.

Unofficial Orientation Series 2016: Wesleyan’s Music Scene

This is an update of my post from last year. Q wrote about this in 2013 and 2014. Some things have changed, but the scene here is still ‘unique, zealous, and sweaty.’

Delilah Seligman '16, Chris Sailor '16, Daniel Pope '16, and Harim Jung '16 performing at Middle House as Evil Deceiver, 5/4/2016

Delilah Seligman ’16, Chris Sailor ’16, Daniel Pope ’16, and Harim Jung ’16 performing at Middle House as Evil Deceiver, 5/4/2016

This is part of our 2016 Unofficial Orientation Series. A quick reminder that you can check out the welcome post here and past years’ series here.

The more I talk to college kids at other schools, the more I realize how much the music scene at Wesleyan sets itself apart. Though we have them, we are not confined to house parties and bars — there’s music nearly every day, all week. Often, there’s so much music that you can’t possibly go to it all, but you try anyway.

Once things get going, there are 3-5 concerts every weekend, sometimes even multiple shows a night. I’ve seen more bands than I have the energy to count with more variety than I can quantify simply  by wandering around at Wesleyan on a given weekend. The folks who book shows at Wesleyan work very hard to bring in all kinds of groups, well-known or just emerging, from punk to dance, and usually put one or two solid student bands on the list.

Many student bands have gone on to greater things, like Overcoats, Heems (Himanshu Suri ’07) of Das Racist (Suri and Victor Vasquez ’06), Novelty Daughter, Amanda Palmer ’98the Rooks, Henry Hall ’14 of Grand Cousin (RIP), AND MORE.

Seriously. It’s very special. What’s even better is that 95% of this stuff is totally free.

Do you have questions like “How do I find out what’s going on?” or “How do I find people to play music with?” or “Where can I go to concerts?”, this is the post for you.

Brew Bakers Looking for Bands

 

Brew BakersCecilia Cereijido Bloche ’16 writes in:

Hi people!
Brew Bakers is looking for a band to play chill acoustic music on weekends (at both the main restaurant and the new cafe location). In the past they’ve had student bands perform and found that customers really love it. Though this wouldn’t be a paid thing, previous student bands that played there received generous tips. It’s meant to be background music while people chat and eat so please no drums or anything too intense. If you are interested, please contact me or Brew Baker’s owner Eloise Tenchermybrewbakers[at]gmail[dot]com

Date: February 17th through May 31st, 2016
Place: Brew Bakers

Madaila at Alpha Delt

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An ~updated message~ from Zachary Roach ’17:

Burlington, VT pop juggernaut, Madaila, will be making its first appearance at Wesleyan to promote their debut record, “The Dance.”

Date: Thursday, November 19th
NEW Time: 9 PM
NEW Place:
Alpha Delt main room

Pumpkin Fest Wants Student Groups & Bands!!

Screen Shot 2015-10-01 at 2.35.09 PMFrom Kate Gilbert ’18:

Want to be a part of Long Lane Farm’s annual Pumpkin Fest, a celebration of autumn with music, arts & crafts, and food? We’re looking for student groups to table and bands to play! The date is set for Saturday October 17.

If your student group would like a table, email kngilbert[at]wesleyan[dot]edu.

If any bands are interested in playing, we still have a few spots! Contact afineman[at]wesleyan[dot]edu.

Respond soon to guarantee a spot!

Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 12PM-4PM
Place: Long Lane Farm

Sound Co-op Interest Meeting

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Angus MacDonald ’15 wants to blurt out at the top of his lungs:

Hey, like money?????
Now you can get some! Join the Wesleyan Sound Co-op and make
~~~~SWEET BABY GREEN BACKS~~~~~
by setting up sound at concerts! That means you get to watch a dope concert at the same time!!!!!

No prior experience is necessary.

Date: Saturday February 1st.
Time:2pm
Place:Eclectic
Cost: YOU’LL MAKE MONEY