Thanks to the Wooster Activities Crew, and just in time to kick off the semester, the biggest party of the year returns to campus tonight. That’s right, the anxiously awaited Party on the Green is back, and everyone is strongly encouraged to come out and join the fun. Destined to be a great night, the party starts at 6:30 p.m. on the residential quad near Ebert Art Center.
As one of the largest events of the year, WAC is pulling out all the stops for this year’s POTG. The lineup includes Chicago-based rapper and lyricist Rhymefest, followed by Cincinnati’s own rock group Foxy Shazam.† Two College of Wooster student groups, Jason Filatov and Freddie Cool will open for the headliners, warming up the stage for what promises to be a pair of great performances. All acts will perform on the same professional size stage from last year’s Springfest. In collaboration with Wooster’s Center for Entrepreneurship, popcorn and hotdogs will be available for free as long as supplies last.
While working with a smaller budget this year, WAC’s musical director Ben Gartin ’11 and his committee, Ramsey Kincannon ’12 and Sandy MacKay ’11 have faced more of a challenge in selecting the musical acts than in past years. For this year, the goal was to bring in “up and coming” performers rather than an already popular artist. They believe they have done just that with Rhymefest and Foxy Shazam. Not only is Gartin expecting a great show, but he also expects everyone who attends the show to be able to say, “I saw them before they were huge.” Gartin believes both acts have the potential to be big-name acts in the near future.
However, Rhymefest is already quite an accomplished MC. Currently signed to Allido Records, he has worked extensively with producer Kanye West on his entire “Raw Dawg” album (2001) and hit single “Brand New.”† However, his musical collaboration with West was not a one-way street, as he co-wrote West’s Grammy-winning song “Jesus Walks.” Rhymefest’s most recent albums include “Blue Collar” (2006) and “El Che” (based off his real name, Che Smith) which reached number 53 on the U.S. Billboard top Hip Hop and R&B albums this past summer. Unlike other MCs who have performed at Wooster in the past, a live band will accompany Rhymefest, adding an extra kick to his already powerful style.
Alternative rock group Foxy Shazam, with their edgy blend of guitar, bass, piano, drums, horns and vocals, will be closing out the night.† Selected by “Spin Magazines” as one of the “ten bands you need to know,” Foxy Shazam has been rolling full steam ahead on to the music scene since joining forces in 2004. Their most recent self-titled album was released in 2008 in partnership with Ferret Music. Other accolades include playing at Lollapalooza in Chicago this past summer, along with the selection of their song “Unstoppable” as a theme song for CBS’s production of Super Bowl XLIV. Interestingly enough, the band has a College of Wooster connection, making their decision to come play at POTG an easy one. Horns player Adam Nauth is the older brother of College of Wooster student, Brittany Nauth ’11.
This diverse line-up has produced a great amount of excitement around the campus. While some criticized last year’s Springfest lineup for including two Hip Hop artists, this year’s POTG lineup contains a wide array of musical talent.† The combination of live drums, bass, keys and horns, and a perfect September night (the forecast is promising!) is sure to put POTG 2010 over the top.
in Chicago this past summer, along with the selection of their song “Unstoppable” as a theme song for CBS’s production of Super Bowl XLIV. Interestingly enough, the band has a College of Wooster connection, making their decision to come play at POTG an easy one. Horns player Adam Nauth is the older brother of College of Wooster student, Brittany Nauth ë11.
This diverse line up has produced a great amount of excitement around the campus. While some criticized last year’s Springfest lineup for including two hip hop artists, this year’s POTG lineup contains a wide array of musical talent.† The combination of live drums, bass, keys, and horns, and a perfect September night (the forecast is promising!) is sure to put POTG 2010 over the top.