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(11/20/14 5:32pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
I know classes can be boring and stressful, but just getting there is half the battle. Walking to class is like trying to beat a level in a video game: dodge the service vehicles, hide from the deer, avoid obstacles like construction zones, just to defeat the villain by snagging the best seat in the back of the room. If you’re walking alone you may go through immense inner turmoil between trudging forward or turning right back around for a nap. And if you’re walking with a friend, convincing yourselves to skip and do something fun becomes all the more easy. But battle on! We all think the same things while walking through campus, even from the moment we emerge from our dorm rooms, like…
I’m blinded by the sun after being in my dark cave of a room all night.
Leaves are falling, birds are chirping, ah nature… Nope not doing that today.
This wind chill? I’m just not about it.
Why do people insist on walking five people deep?
Nah, it’s not like I wanted to get to class on time or anything.
Maybe if I just go around them…
Now I have to resort to a light jog just to get ahead of them.
I may have looked like a maniac, but at least I’m back on track.
(Absent-mindedly stares at cellphone out of boredom)
(Consciously stares at cellphone out of fear someone I pass will say hi)
(Exudes the concentration of a brain surgeon while staring at my phone to avoid interaction with someone I hate)
All right, I think I’m safe, I can look up again.
Oh, great, another white van on the sidewalks driving right towards me.
Maybe if it just gently bumps into me I won’t have to go to class…
They should install traffic lights at all major sidewalk intersections.
Man, at least the squirrels seem happy, frolicking in the leaves.
Stepping on this crispy, crunchy leaf will unfortunately be the high point of my day
There may be more squirrels on this campus than students.
I still have time, I can turn right around and go back to bed.
My warm, comfy, cozy bed…
In a room filled with endless snacks…
But instead I’ll be in a cold room listening to a lecture.
In an all white room...
With a flickering fluorescent light...
Is this college or an insane asylum?
We’re all just hungry and cold and need a nap or two.
Or 12 or 30...
I could sleep for the next two months straight and still wake up tired.
Well, I’ve almost reached my certain doom.
No no no no no no no no no no.
(11/12/14 5:17am)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
The Rathskeller was packed on Tuesday, Nov. 4, as the audience welcomed dark-indie rockers Gin War and the electro-pop outfit Stepdad to the stage for a night of guitar shredding, bass blasting and, of course, great facial hair.
New Jersey natives Gin War started off the night, comprised of Brandon Rosenberg on vocals and guitar, Kyle Carrier on guitar, Mike Planko on bass and Chad Chammings on drums.
The band began its set with two brand new acoustic songs, “Trip” and “Cement.” The guys rounded out the acoustic portion of the show with a cover of “Out of Reach” by The Get Up Kids — a band they have always admired.
Launching into harder rock sounds, Rosenberg sang with a distinct, angst-filled rasp flanked by Carrier and Planko jamming out fast and loud by his side.
Gin War finished its set playing songs from its recently released EP, “Half of a Good Plan,” off American Scream Records, including the tracks “Wink” and “Disconnect.”
When it comes to songwriting, the band says location matters. “We practice in this shed in the woods with a raccoon, squirrels, a couple of chickens and a bat,” Rosenberg said. “We all have to learn to get along.”
With plans to release a new record soon, the band is recording at Silver Bullet Studios in Connecticut, working with Greg Thomas of Misery Signals and Chris Teti of The World Is A Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid to Die. The quartet also has touring plans for January of next year.
The band has an unmistakable sound that’s all its own, yet it carries hints of bands that once dominated the emo scene like Motion City Soundtrack and The Hush Sound.
“We’re not trying to fit into a specific genre,” Carrier said. “We play what we like and what sounds good to us.”
When Stepdad took the stage, the Rat turned into an instant dance party, with students getting out of their seats to jump in on the action.
Each track opened with the sounds of nature and chirping birds before diving into soaring synths and booming bass.
The band, made up of vocalist Mark “ultramark” Tafel, keyboardist Ryan McCarthy, guitarist Nathan Klages and drummer Ben Weissenborn, played songs off its 2012 full-length album “Wildlife Pop” like “My Leather, My Fur, My Nails” and “Starfriends On Earth.”
Stepdad also debuted two brand new tracks, “Majesty” and “Harm’s Way,” which continued to showcase its large sound, high-energy hooks and Tafel’s killer beard.
The band left the audience with a cover of “Dreams” from the ’90s alternative group The Cranberries, where Tafel was really able to maximize his falsetto singing abilities.
Following a string of shows on the east coast, the group is headed to the mid west to wrap up its small fall tour with the space-glam trio Sphynx.
(11/06/14 4:11am)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
As college kids, we all have certain goals we want to reach, whether it’s making Dean’s List or getting an essay done before the night it’s due. But what about things you should strive to do that are only at TCNJ? My bucket list is endless, but I picked my 5 favorite things you have to do at the College before your four years are up!
Ride the lion
For years now, everyone has been told they must get a picture on top of this statue. Located outside of Roscoe West, the Roscoe figure is an easy enough first bucket list item to check off. Just be careful with him, Roscoe’s getting fragile in his old age.
Jump in the fountain
This is a rite of passage for freshman just starting out at the College. Round up your floormates and head out to the Science Complex to frolic in the crystal blue water. Squeeze this one in before it gets too cold, otherwise you’ll have to wait until spring semester when there isn’t a foot of snow covering it.
Eat a TDubs burger
Unfortunately under renovations this semester, TDubs is the spot to be when you have those late night cravings. Located in the basement of Travers and Wolfe Halls, it will certainly become the place freshmen go for dinner when they don’t feel like facing ice and snow on the walk to Eickhoff. The TDubs burger is a legendary stack of incredible ingredients. Try lettuce, tomato, bacon, hot peppers and ooey gooey cheese, just to name a few. With a tortilla in place of a bun, this meal is heavenly delicious and not in the slightest nutritious.
Get a picture with Roscoe
Our adorable mascot can be spotted all over campus during big events like convocation and homecoming. Next time you see him cheering on our sports teams or walking with prospective students, snap a pic! He’s quite photogenic.
Build snowmen sitting around campus
The first snowfall (and snow day!) of your college career is an exciting experience. Walking out of your building to the world around you covered in untouched snow is equally beautiful and tempting to mess it all up. Something cute students do every year is build snowmen sitting in the adirondack chairs outside of Green Hall. So put on your parka and brave the cold, because these reclining snowmen are sure to put a smile on your peers' faces.
(10/29/14 6:29pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
What convinced a person with a laundry list of phobias to trek into the darkest, creepiest spots on campus? Insanity, of course. With Halloween right around the corner, I compiled a list of the most horrifying, chill-inducing places to check out this holiday weekend. Enter if you dare, because like seriously, these places are really messed up.
Bliss Basement
Welcome to the asylum, er, I mean, the classrooms in the lower level of Bliss that don’t have any windows connecting us to the outside world. If the classrooms weren’t enough to make you feel a little uneasy, instead of going back up the staircase to civilization, continue down the bright white, fluorescently lit hallway of terror. The pretty glass walkways that merge the two buildings of Bliss ain’t so pretty underground. If you follow this strange connector to the end you’ll reach an off-center door. Open it, and you’ll find another bright white hallway, this time with gigantic red letters that say “CAUTION.” Twice. Why am I exercising caution? I have no idea, because every door at the end of the hallway is locked… except for the stairwell to freedom I promptly bolted up.
3. Kendall Hall Main Stage
By this point in the semester everyone has heard the legend of the murder in Kendall Hall. For most of my freshman year I brushed it off as nothing more than a scare-tactic conjured up by the upperclassmen. However, a quick Google search proved otherwise. The death of a student in the theatre in 1977 is a real event, but don’t let your floormates keep you up at night with elaborately fabricated stories of the night. But something that’s all too true? The mysterious murderer has never been identified to this day.
2. Ely, Allen and Brewster Basement
I don’t know how to begin talking about this fun house of horror. So let’s begin with a room filled with ENTIRELY JUST LAMPS. Seriously, the three long corridors are a jackpot of scary. Open this door and you’ll find 30 old lamps on the floor next to a giant shelf system of miscellaneous nuts, bolts and ancient parts that could easily be from the days of the buildings construction (1931, people).
Behind the next door is a sink. Just a sink. After that is a deserted lounge with a deceptively cheerful under-the-sea mural. Behind the next door that is an entire room of MORE DOORS. At one point there’s a kitchen area with a drawer that says “Do Not Open -- Ebola Inside.” There may not be Ebola inside, but there is unbearably old takeout food inside there. Why someone decided to keep it as a freaky science experiment? No one will ever know.
And get this, room number 13? PAD LOCKED SHUT.
Somehow, it gets worse. The room next to room 13 was in complete disarray with a giant sink, chairs and haphazardly placed planks of wood. There is a doorway on the side that would normally lead into room 13… if it wasn’t for the gaping, splintered hole the size of a person seemingly smashed into it. Things got way too weird at that point for me to continue my journey.
1. CANVAS
Have you checked your grades since midterms? Probably not, in fear that your nightmares of failing may be all too real. This cyber universe may not hold any giant red warning signs (but it probably should), unsolved murder cases or drawers full of Ebola, but it is still terrifying. After Homecoming and in the midst of Halloweekend, tell me, do you have what it takes to explore the shadowy places of grades unknown?
(10/29/14 7:41am)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
Philly’s Union Transfer is a gift from the indie rock gods. With an incredible fall lineup of up-and-coming electro-pop acts and big name alternative kings, it was about time I pilgrimaged to the holy land for a spectacular show. A walk through the warm, late October night and a few subway stops later, my friends and I reached the dark, beaconing music venue to catch English rockers Bombay Bicycle Club.
The night’s opening acts were surprisingly enjoyable and satiated our musical hunger.
Luxley instantly halted the audience’s chatter — not with its music but with lead vocalist Ryan Gray’s spastic shimmying across the stage. The more the crowd cheered, the more Gray jumped around.
Although an incredibly fun performance to watch, it ultimately felt like the audience was more enthralled by Gray’s unapologetic dance moves than the songs.
For the final song, Gray went even further by diving right into the crowd and snaking through — microphone in-hand and aggravated crew members in the distance. The audience formed a circle around him as he spun around on the floor and sang his heart out.
Following the sweat-inducing spectacle of Luxley, Milo Greene took the stage and set the tone for the rest of the night — mellow, airy and effortlessly cool.
At the peak of its set, four of the five members stood across the front of the stage and sang with such passion it commanded the entire venues attention.
Not only do the four share vocal duties, but they also swap out instruments. For one song, Marlana Sheetz would be seen behind a keyboard, then the next grooving away on the bass. Robbie Arnett captivated on electric and acoustic guitar while seductively moving his hips in time with the sultry music.
When the band announced the last song it would play, an audible sigh was heard, proving it had accomplished a great feat — entertaining the crowd enough that they forgot all about the headliner.
But who could actually forget the headliner? The crowd’s anticipation was practically bubbling over when the lights finally dimmed, signifying the show was about to begin. With a soft melody playing, five giant, circular projection screens played a graphic of a man walking around the Earth accompanied by the sun and moon rising and setting, as seen on the album artwork for its most recent album, “So Long, See You Tomorrow.”
As the track picked up pace, the band emerged from the back and played a string of songs off “So Long” and the 2011 release “A Different Kind of Fix.”
The band exuded an undeniable energy that matched the crowd’s excitement to be dancing and singing along to one of its favorite bands. Everyone around us was in high spirits, whether it was the girls bobbing their heads or the boys crooning along.
Hearing Bombay’s music live gave it an entirely new life and heightened its meaning. Tracks like “Luna,” “Shuffle” and “It’s Alright Now” were all beautifully done and carried a sense of whimsy and wonder.
Other songs like “Your Eyes” and “How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep” gripped my heart with their light-hearted nature and positive beats. I couldn’t help but close my eyes and sway — the delicate chords and pure vocals sounded like falling in love.
For the quieter, ballad-esque “Eyes Off You,” vocalist Jack Steadman sat front and center, playing the keyboard and practically whispering the heartfelt lyrics. The only thing that lessened the moments profundity were the voices of the people at the back bar ringing in our ears just as loudly as Steadman.
Despite this minor hiccup, the rest of the band’s set absolutely dazzled. The evening wrapped up with a few older songs like “Always Like This” off its 2009 album “I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose” and a triumphant return to the stage after the crowd pleaded for an encore. Steadman’s distinct voice paired with Liz Lawrence’s velvety smooth vocals created a back and forth dialogue that made every song feel like a story.
The band played every song I could have possibly hoped to hear, yet I still left the venue craving more. With the amount of love Philly showed them, hopefully Bombay Bicycle Club will come back to us soon.
(10/22/14 11:35pm)
If this semester hasn’t reduced you to tears quite just yet, then consider yourself one of the lucky ones. During midterms, the College feels like Stress City, U.S.A. population: you. One would think after 12 plus years of schooling we would have foolproof study habits and work ethic. But alas, here we are, the night before a major test or project is due, holding our head in our hands and muffling screams of “WHY ME” while sitting on the fourth floor of the library.
We came here early in the morning with one mission — get shit done. So what happened?
Unapologetic Optimism: You woke up this morning with a strong sense of determination. You rolled out of bed at a reasonable hour, made sure to grab a bite to eat and, heck, I bet you even took pride in packing your book bag with all your homework, supplies and snacks. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the library looms in the distance like a beacon of hope that good grades truly are obtainable. You quickly approach the entrance and take your first step inside….
Slow Digression: …and the joy slowly drains out of your soul. This isn’t so bad, you tell yourself. You’re still determined enough to walk up four flights of stairs instead of taking the elevator but immediately regret it. You search for an open seat only to be dismayed that practically all of campus is here at the same time. Finally, you grab an armchair looking out over Green Hall in a cozy back nook. Now you’re really ready to start your homework…
Passive-Aggressive Overload: …that’s when a group of overly rowdy kids strolls in and turn your cozy nook into the confessions room of a reality television show. Their gossip about last night’s shenanigans may be interesting but certainly not at full volume. And yes, they only interrupted you watching cat videos on YouTube (study break), but still. Can’t you watch kittens sneezing in peace and quiet? For the next 20 minutes you’ll shoot them dirty looks that scream, “quiet down or this pencil is going straight into your ear canal…”
Deep Rooted Denial: …you’re starting to lose touch with reality. At this point you’ve completely convinced yourself that unless you stand up RIGHT NOW and get a coffee and pastry from the Lib Café then surely, you’ll die. A boost of caffeine is exactly the thing you need to really focus on this work and get it done once and for all. And who doesn’t love a banana nut muffin? Maybe you’ll see a few friends there. You could definitely use some moral support right now and it’ll only be a few minutes…
Utter Despair: …and by minutes I mean two hours. You spent more time refueling than actually getting work done. Now you’re sitting in a ball in your chair, covered in muffin crumbs staring at your reflection in the window — it’s already nighttime. Did you need to talk to your friend about your pizza preferences? (They like sausage and onions but you’re more of a pepperoni person) No. But did you talk about it ad-nauseam? Yes. Yes you did…
Acceptance: …somehow you’ve allowed size 12 Times New Roman font to ruin your entire being. The essay guidelines are impossible. The midterm study guide is now just a blur. You hang your head in shame. It’s time to pack up your things and emerge back into the real world. You may have accomplished absolutely nothing, but your efforts won’t go unrewarded. You owe yourself some cuddle time with Netflix. Tomorrow is a new day.
(10/22/14 10:33pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
It was a family affair at the Rathskeller on Friday, Oct. 10, where the musical forces of Dads combined with The Moms for an evening of indie rock.
New Jersey drunk-punk trio The Moms started off the night channeling its rough and rugged style through its music and appearance, donning torn-up T-shirts and thick facial hair.
The bands rage-filled set was led by vocalist and guitarist Joseph Nester, bassist Jonathan Stople and drummer Donny Saraceno.
The night’s songs included “Arrest Me” off the 2013 “Viva!” EP as well as “Blow Me” and “NJ Transit Blues” off the 2014 “Blow Me” EP.
With such provocative titles, it was clear from early on in the set that the band is out to make a statement. According to its Facebook page, “the genre-bending album’s socially-charged prose touches upon subjects such as prescription drug abuse, private bomb brokers, joining the navy and the potential for a better post-apocalyptic U.S.A.”
The Moms are embarking on an extensive fall tour across the country with Everything Ever in support of it’s first full length album “Buy American,” which was released last month on Paper & Plastick Records.
In stark contrast to the night’s loud, in-your-face opening act, the indie, emo duo, Dads, were next to take the stage.
The noticeably darker set — in feeling and in lighting — began with an ambient opening track with moody bass and cricket chirps.
Following the first few slow songs, the band, comprised of John Bradley on vocals and drums and Scott Scharinger on guitar, picked up the pace with faster tracks featuring skilled instrumental solos.
The rest of the band’s set followed suit, shifting from sweet to sour, hard to soft and dark to light. The band toyed with audience members’ heart-strings with gentle melancholic guitars then smacked them in the face with pounding drums.
Dads’ engaging performance was resemblant to the indie rock band The World Is A Beautiful Place And I Am No Longer Afraid To Die, back when they played a similar style of music at the Rat in March.
Not only did Bradley impress students by seemingly effortlessly drumming and singing at the safe time, but also seemed to speak to them in a cryptic manner — often adding in an existential lament like, “there’s no explanation for life,” before smashing his cymbals and starting a new song.
The band recently released a full-length album “I’ll Be The Tornado,” which came out last Tuesday through 6131 Records and will be touring around the country with Tiny Moving Parts, Nai Harvest and Choir Vandals this fall.
Former student at the College John Wolf stuck his claim in the front row all night, bobbing his head and yelling along.
“The Moms and Dads are two of my favorite bands, so it was awesome to see them play together,” Wolf said after the show. “My voice has never been so sore from singing lyrics so loudly.”
(10/07/14 6:48pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
The latest from Kim's Declassified College Survival Guide:
Winter at the College makes you wish you never had to leave your room, let alone your super cozy bed. If we’re not being saved with a snow day courtesy of Dave Muha, then we’re mentally preparing ourselves for the ice cold trudge through the snow.
With that being said, while it’s still much above freezing and winter hasn’t taken its icy grip on campus quite just yet, everyone should get out there and explore all the natural wonders the College grounds have to offer, some hot commodities, but others, total secret gems.
If you’ve always got your nose in a book or walk to class with your head down, how are you ever going to see all the beauty around you?
B: Bridge
Directly across the street from the back of Decker and parking garage lies a quaint little bridge that stretches across a tiny stream. The bridge crosses over to a sports field and a lawn of thick grass and foothills. Exploring this backwoods area during the fall will have you walking to the beat of crunching leaves and chirping birds and encountering a family of deer. After being surrounded by small woodland creatures you’re practically a bona fide Snow White.
F: Forest of Bamboo
Once bamboo starts growing somewhere not long after does it swallow the area whole. In the time it took you to read this sentence I bet a new bamboo shoot just sprouted. This thick form of vegetation isn’t something you would expect to see in the middle of New Jersey. Located between the back of Townhouses South and West on Metzger Drive and across from the Bonner Garden, this forest provides a serene and beautiful backdrop to your next outdoor homework session.
L: Lake Sylva
Situated right across the street from Centennial and Ely, Allen and Brewster Halls, looking out on this picturesque lake will help melt away your stress.
Picnic tables and lush hundred-year-old trees make the surrounding area a calm place to kick back and forget the world for an hour. Why bother with the stuffy library when you can get some fresh air to match your fresh ideas?
U: U-Shaped Tree
This natural phenomenon has been the ultimate place to take Instagram pictures, if you can find it. Hidden across the street from Norsworthy and directly at the entrance of the powerhouse and other facility buildings, this strangely split tree is something you can’t help but marvel at. Take one pic or a dozen because this environmental wonder is truly a rarity and a special treasure on our campus.
(10/07/14 3:52pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
A seemingly ordinary night at the Rathskeller was turned upside-down by boisterous bands and bold beats on Friday, Oct. 3, when members of Rewind The Crisis shredded on their instruments, and Brick + Mortar made a crowd of 50 feel like 500.
The show marked the first time WTSR has ever live-streamed a CUBRat event on-air and online, letting folks in the surrounding areas feel like they were right in the action.
Opening the night was alt-rocker Rewind The Crisis of Mt. Olive, N.J.
With ambient vibes and metal-tinged guitar riffs, the band ripped through a nine-song set. Comprised of George Hildreth on drums, Jake Puzio on bass and Matthew Piserchio on guitar and vocals, the band played tracks off its self-titled 2013 debut full-length album.
Original songs like “Forte Races,” “Classics” and “Rory, Don’t Come Home” were played between various covers, including The 1975’s “Sex.”
The band is currently in the studio recording a new, five-song EP that they hope to tour sometime next year.
“This release will be our actual sound,” Hildreth said. “We’ve matured musically.”
The band is also in the final round of the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands, which landed them a gig playing Uproar Festival in Camden, N.J., giving them more exposure and the chance to win more prizes.
“We love meeting fans,” Piserchio said. “It’s the best feeling becoming a band that people know instead of having to tell people to listen.”
Following Rewind The Crisis, Brick + Mortar took over the stage and demanded every single person’s attention in the Rat.
Shouting at everyone who was seated to come stand in front of the stage, even personally calling out particular people in the crowd, it was clear vocalist and guitarist Brandon Asraf and drummer John Tacon were out to make sure everyone got into the music.
The energetic Asbury Park, N.J. duo yelled to the audience, “I want you all to scream like there’s 1,000 people here,” before going into their high-energy set.
Featuring songs off their 2013 EP “Bangs,” the band played “Old Boy,” “Locked In A Cage” and “Terrible Things” — a song about using sadness to help you grow into a better person.
“Bangs,” a track featuring swirling synths, is a personal song for Asraf about not giving up in a time when everyone told him he would never do anything important or become anyone.
Last month, the band performed at Radio 104.5’s Summer Block Party for one of its biggest and best crowds alongside Grouplove, Sir Sly, Wolf Gang and Vance Joy. Despite the rainy weather, the band said fans still went totally wild.
Later this month the band is hitting the road with Vacationer for a fall tour where they are most excited to play shows out on the West Coast and reconnect with old fans.
If Brick + Mortar wants you to get anything out of its shows, it’s pure empowerment.
“You can overcome anything,” Asraf said. “We want to be an inspiration for people and other musicians to go out there and live their dreams.”
(10/01/14 9:19pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
We had a nice run. We tried the chicken in our salads and heck, we even woke up early to get in a hearty breakfast before class. Unfortunately, this motivation probably only lasted a week or so at most. Even with all its possible health conscious selections, Eickhoff also has the ingredients to concoct some insanely awesome, and outrageously not healthy meals. But hey, we all have those tough days and deserve to smother everything we eat in molten hot queso. As standup comedian Louis C.K. once famously quipped, “The meal isn’t over when I’m full; the meal is over when I hate myself.”
Bacon … Bacon Everywhere: Name a food and I’ve probably seen a kid put copious amounts of bacon bits from the salad bar on top of it. Whether it’s sprinkled on a hot and fresh slice of pizza or scooped onto a heaping plate of nachos, bacon bits are any meal’s crunchy companion. You may end up consuming your total calories for the day in one sitting but as long as you don’t keel over during your physics lab an hour later, then you’ve made it out of Eick victorious.
The Grill Late-Night Style: French fries are served daily at the Grill but some dare to go the extra mile by heading to Roscoe’s Tacos to drench their fries in nacho cheese. Take a note from midnight snack connoisseur Fat Shack by placing your cheese fries right on your hamburger for a stacked sandwich. Follow up this meal by taking a six-hour nap and avoiding the responsibilities of being an adult, since you clearly don’t know how to eat like one.
For Your Sweet Tooth: Don’t think I’ve forgotten about the real most important meal of the day: dessert. But you’ll have to try out this combination in the morning when Quimby’s Kitchen is serving up fresh Belgian waffles with the College’s mascot (formerly the insignia) pressed right in. Once you’ve acquired said waffle, stroll by the Bliss Bakery to the soft serve machine and voila! You have yourself a beautiful ice cream and waffles plate that’s the ultimate breakfast of champions.
(09/24/14 10:29pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
The latest from Kim's Declassified College Survival Guide:
I know exactly what you’re thinking. No. No no no no no no no. And I understand. Eating well is hard to do, especially when every time you walk into the dining hall you want to take a pizza to the face. But there are some hidden gems all around Eickhoff that you would have never thought to put together that can create the ultimate, satisfying and beneficial meal. You owe it to your body to put something in it that wasn’t made in a microwave or delivered to your drunken self at 1 in the morning.
Power to the Poultry: The Grill cooks up plain pieces of chicken every day. Ever thought of cutting up a breast to put into a luscious salad or mix in with your wheat pasta from Ceva? This added protein in your diet will help you keep functioning throughout the day, amidst boring lectures and sitting next to that girl that COULD NOT CHEW HER GUM ANY LOUDER.
Omelette du Fromage: It’s hard enough getting out of bed for an 8 a.m. class, let alone squeezing in a decent breakfast, but it truly is the most important meal of the day. With that being said, why would you choose to eat cereals represented by deranged leprechauns, acid-tripping cuckoo birds or con-artist rabbits when you can have a beautiful omelet? The Omelet Bar has a variety of different vegetables, meats and cheeses to customize your omelet exactly the way you want so you can feel like you’re in control of at least one aspect of your life.
Wok The Line: Who doesn’t love having their food cooked on a burning hot circular iron slab? It better not be you or else you are missing out on one of the College’s coolest dining options. Load up on an assortment of veggies, tofu, steak, chicken or shrimp and watch it sizzle on the grill. This meal is guaranteed to be good for you and smoking hot, two things you can’t say about the person you danced with last night at that party.
(09/24/14 6:25pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
CUBRat’s first student band night of the semester showcased a diverse mixture of musical genres and young talent, as three local bands performed to a packed house of supporters at the Rathskeller on Friday, Sept. 19.
Valgaian Trio, a progressive metal band hailing from Vernon, N.J., first took the stage.
The band is composed of senior Lucas Gisonti on bass, Montclair University student Vincent Assante on guitar and Ramapo College student Anthony Assante on drums.
The all-instrumental set featured harder rock sounds, dramatic solos and a flair for experimentation.
The entire set was a performance of their expansive piece, “The Journey.”
Brothers Vincent and Anthony have always played music together. After meeting Gisonti in high school, they have been writing and performing music ever since.
Next up was Something Soon, a student band from the College that delivered old-school rock and roll sounds in a setlist of all original tracks.
The quartet is made up of class of ’13 alumnus Bernard Miller on vocals, Daniel Fitzgerald on saxophone and keyboard, junior Connor Mullin on bass and class of ’13 alumnus major Kevin Alexander on drums.
Something Soon put on a show as fun as it was quirky. The song “Big Kahuna Burger,” which is a reference to cult-classic “Pulp Fiction,” was dedicated to its director, Quentin Tarantino. The track featured heavy instrumentals that morphed into an epic rock rendition of the Imperial March from “Star Wars.”
The band’s idiosyncrasies were evoked again during its song “Steve Buscemi’s Eyes” in which the chorus provides that every member chant the award-winning actor’s name in unison.
The band plans to hold a mini-festival in October for Blindness Awareness Month in honor of Mullin, who is legally blind himself.
Old Briar Road, a folk group, wound down the evening. It was the band’s first appearance at the Rat since winning second place in CUBRat and WTSR’s spring Battle of the Bands competition, scoring airtime at the station as a result.
The band’s lineup has seen changes since then, with senior Kyle McCabe on guitar and vocals, freshman Emily Paddon also on vocals, senior Michael Cort on banjo, Rutgers University student Daniel Crowley on guitar and class of ’14 alumnus Matthew Mance on drums.
The band played original tracks like “Sails and Vines” and “Creek Fables” off its record of the same name.
The sweet yet melancholic song “Harvest” featured stellar harmonies between McCabe and Paddon.
The band also debuted several new songs they had been working on throughout the summer, including “So Long” and “Be Scared.”
Paddon, the bands newest addition, enjoyed performing with them for the first time at the Rat.
“Their music is great,” Paddon said. “I’m so happy they chose me to be a part of the band.”
Catch even more student talent on Friday, Sept. 29, for the semester’s first student soloist night.
(09/16/14 8:03pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
What do you get when you tell over 60 students to forfeit the next 24 hours of their lives to eat, sleep and breathe theater? Insanity, of course, and the fall edition of “Wired,” the biannual All College Theatre and TCNJ Musical Theatre competition to write, direct, state manage and perform a one act play from scratch.
Five teams had only one day to create plays based off this year’s theme, “Classic Arcade Games” in the Brower Student Center on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Easy enough, right? That’s why the arbiters, who serve as the “game makers” of the event, added in some twists and turns to really have students pulling their hair out all in the name of comedy.
Twists that had to be added into the plays were a shopping mall store, a flavor, an X-rated position, a famous painting and a completely random prop.
“I am in an insanely caffeinated state,” said Matt Steurer, head arbiter and junior interactive multimedia and computer science double major, at the end of the night.
Some of the arbiters’ duties were to create the twists, themes and genres of the plays, as well as stay wide awake to execute it all.
It was through hyperactive creativity glands and looking back on other successful, past “Wired” ideas that the team of seven arbiters brainstormed this year’s wacky requirements.
Then it was on to the plays. In the Donkey Kong reimagined show “Donkey-Jote,” a disgruntled DK works at a Build-A-Bear Workshop with the girl of his dreams — and her arrogant boyfriend.
In an epic dream sequence, DK throws barrels at a hammer-handling Mario to save his love, Princess Peach.
Alyssa Freitas, a sophomore management major who ended up winning best actress, stole the show as DK’s embarrassing, constantly yelling mother, Mama Kong, complete with a thick New York accent.
Shannon McGovern, a senior music major, also won as best director for the show.
In the play, “Did You Mean Recursion?” a group of people stand around a bar during a costume party. In a “Groundhog Day”-esque series of events, the character Rose must repeatedly encounter the same actions from a belligerent bar attendee, her blowhard boyfriend, a not-so-innocent stranger and a suspiciously knowledgeable bartender.
Talk of glory holes and doing shrooms are just some of the outrageous recurring dialogue, and the actor’s spot-on comedic timing helped land it this year’s best show title.
Stephany Estrada, a freshman anthropology major, also won for best stage manager.
“C.A.I. Codified Artificial Intelligence” follows a computer programmer, Amelia, trying to finish coding her new game. Cue a distraction in the form of a lesbian couple, Jackie and Jacqui, who take her out for the day, only to be kidnapped by a rogue programmer and forced to go through a series of challenges to escape.
In the midst of a challenge, Amelia realizes a solution to the problem she had in her own coding and applies it to help her escape the strange world she is trapped in.
This technophilic thriller landed senior psychology major Mariah-Lynn Black and junior English and secondary education double major Steven Munoz the best writers award.
“Contagion,” based on the game Space Invaders, is a sci-fi play about scientists and Apple Inc. representatives traveling to Planet Google to find a cure for a disease-plagued Earth. The Apple reps have cruel intentions, planning to take over and destroy Google to harvest the cure.
Luckily, the good guys prevail in the end, and scientist Diana is able to save the Googolian race from extinction.
Wrapping up the night, “Post Secrets” featured a delivery company training their newest employee Max, played by senior music and education double major Kyle Sheehan.
Max is faced with inexplicable obstacles along his delivery route, like a traffic-blocking break dancer, a seductive Miracle Whip wielding lingerie model, a tornado and existential drug addicts. When Max isn’t driving over tombstones, he’s losing his life and helping Death through a mid-life crisis.
This bizarre yet lovable role earned Sheehan the award for best actor.
(09/16/14 7:44pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
Welcome to the Rathskeller, a place where pounding drums and fast strums call home. On Friday, Sept. 12, Boston alt-pop group The Color and Sound and the New York City-based indie-rock foursome Born Cages took the stage to show students at the College what they’re made of.
The evening began with The Color and Sound jumping on stage after grabbing a quick bite of waffle fries and cheese steaks.
The band, lead by vocalist Chris LaRocque, guitarist Nick Stewart, bassist Joe Aylward, aux percussionist Ally Mahoney and drummer Steve Aliperta, played tracks off its new EP, “Peace of Mind,” which comes out on DIY record label Black Numbers on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
The standout track off the EP, “Cigarettes,” draws clear influences from the band fun., particularly LaRocque’s similar falsetto to frontman Nate Ruess.
Later in the set, the band engaged the audience and asked students about their time here at the College. In the song, “Graves,” the band altered its lyrics to say, “When I’m cold, I’ll think of TCNJ.”
Their undeniable energy lent itself to an incredible live performance. LaRocque has a voice made for pop-punk with the perfect balance of whine and serious vocal chops.
The band ended the set with its favorite song to play live, “Gregory” — a track Mahoney describes as the band’s time to shake it off and just have fun. The song featured chanted vocals from everyone in the group.
The Color and Sound formed as a collaborative effort between friends, who at the time were in three separate bands. They mixed together their diverse musical styles in order to produce the March 2013 EP, “The Spring Tour.” They hope to go on tour this winter to promote their work.
Following their performance, Born Cages lit up the stage with neon lighting effects that burst different colors and patterns throughout the set.
Comprised of Vlad Holiday on vocals and guitar, Amanda Carl on keyboards, Dave Tantao on drums and Matt Maroulakos on bass, the band played tracks off its EP, “Sidelines,” released in June 2013 via Razor & Tie Records.
Coming mid-Feb. 2015, it will release its first full-length album, but in the meantime it shared some new songs with the Rat audience.
The song “Bigger Than Me” featured ’80s style guitar hooks and synthesizers, while “I Keep Moving On” had a darker overtone with demanding drums.
At one point, Holiday ran up to the tables and had students sing along with him into his microphone for everyone to hear.
The crowd favorite and latest single, “Rolling Down The Hill,” is a poppy blast about yearning to get away from “normal life.”
The end of the set heavily featured Holiday’s guitar skills with multiple solos.
As a whole, the band’s genre-bending set pieced together many different styles, ultimately making it hard to pinpoint its playful, experimental sound.
On Friday, Sept. 5, the band played a live acoustic studio session at beloved Philly radio station Radio 104.5.
“It was amazing,” Holiday said. “(DJ) Wendy Rollins is a sweetheart, and they took great care of us. Hopefully we can do more stuff with them in the future.”
As for the band’s upcoming tour dates throughout the fall, Holiday is most excited to play in Chicago.
“There’s a song off the new record that was inspired by a fan in Chicago,” Holiday said. “We opened up for Guns ‘N’ Roses there once, so it’s special to us.
With new albums and stacked tour dates, both of the nights’ acts have a lot to look forward to in the months ahead.
(09/16/14 7:16pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
Growing up, you were one of the lucky ones if you didn’t have to share your room with a sibling. Having your own room to take care of or completely destroy is a blessing. However, college is the great equalizer, forcing inhabitants to find an ounce of privacy in a 175-square feet room.
This is why it’s more important than ever to show a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T to your roommate. Treating others how you wish to be treated holds the most truth when it comes to living with other people, especially those who were total strangers to you a mere few months ago.
Do your part: Sharing a room means sharing responsibilities, no matter how you feel about the person. You can’t passive-aggressively not take out the trash until it’s overflowing. The only thing that’s going to be solved is where the roaches build their new home. So take out the Lysol wipes and turn on the vacuum, because it’s way better to hate each other in a clean room than a dirty one.
Don't talk smack: You have to spend the entire year living under the same roof as this person; the least you could do is accept their differences. We're all a little quirky, so don't go around your floor laughing about the fact that your roommate has 200 mint condition Yuh-Gi-Oh cards when you scream in your sleep and walk around with no pants on. You don't hear your roommate going around gossiping about your demon-possessed self, so quit spreading the mean comments.
Do communicate: Try to be on the same page as your roommate. If you don’t like having 10 people in the room at one time, say something. If you don’t like the TV being left on overnight, say something. If you don’t like your roommate performing voodoo rituals, DEAR GOD SAY SOMETHING. The point here is that you’re never going to know what the other needs unless you speak up and talk things out.
Don’t just take things: Just because your favorite snack is Oreos and your roommate’s mom bought them in bulk doesn’t mean you can help yourself to a little dessert. Just because you wear the same sized clothing as your roommate doesn’t mean you can go shopping in their closet while they’re at class. Take two seconds out of your life to send your roommate a text asking to use their belongings, instead of walking around campus in their shirt, breath freshly smelling like chocolate cookie and vanilla icing.
(09/10/14 2:44am)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
The latest from Kim's Declassified College Survival Guide:
Wars have been waged over its excellence. Folklore has been passed down from generation to generation about its beauty. The Ancient Greeks admire it as being the eighth wonder of the world. Two simple words. Meal Equivalency.
The phenomenon has clearly affected everyone on campus, causing a few too many people to rub up against you in the Lion’s Den during the lunchtime rush. Being corralled like cattle in a small dining venue doesn’t sound appealing, but for that free $7.25 every student gets for food between 11:00 and 1:30, I’ll gladly stand shoulder to shoulder in a sea of hungry young adults (hooray for an extra 25 cents from last semester!).
Getting that perfect $7.25 during Meal Equiv can be challenging and will sometimes land you on their unofficial Twitter page if you post a picture of your receipt.
So, I took out my calculator and voyaged to the Lion’s Den to find out what food combinations give you the most bang for your buck.
Lettuce Begin: Sometimes the Meal Equiv gods smile upon you as your salad weighs exactly $7.25. Or you can take matters into your own hands and ask the person behind the counter to leave it on the scale until it’s the right amount.
Shrimply Divine: The newly added sushi bar is a great way to fill up on food that’s good for you. Basic rolls are under $7.25 but if you want to get fancy you’ll have to use some points. Make sure to get the Dragon Roll roll for $6.70; you can thank me later.
Pizza Please: Combo meals at the grill area and pizza counter are a great way to get a meal and a fountain drink all under $7.25. A personal cheese pizza and fountain drink combo is only $5.23, which allots you enough extra moolah for a Tastykake or bag of Lay’s, thus proving your lunch really can be all that and a bag of chips.
Remember, Lion’s Den isn’t the only place open for Meal Equiv! For even more options check out the Library Café, Education Café and the Rathskeller.
Now run along and get your money’s worth.
(09/09/14 3:35am)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
Interpol is one of the bands that cemented my love for alternative rock some seven years ago. However, up until this June when its new album was announced, the band had virtually disappeared. After a four-year gap between albums and the departure of long-time bassist Carlos Dengler, Interpol is finally back and ready to show that it’s only gotten better with age.
The band’s fifth studio album, “El Pintor,” released on Tuesday, Sept. 9 through Matador Records, has quickly become one of the year’s most anticipated albums and one that easily ranks among the best albums in the band’s discography.
It’s been twelve years since Interpol’s debut album “Turn On The Bright Lights” skyrocketed the band to fame within the New York City indie-rock scene of the early 2000s alongside acts like The Strokes and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
The N.Y.C. natives — composed of vocalist Paul Banks, guitarist Daniel Kessler and drummer Sam Fogarino — are known for their dapper appearance and dark demeanor.
The first song off the album and its first single, “All The Rage Back Home,” showcases Interpol’s signature style that any die-hard fan can identify with and enjoy. The track starts off with Banks’s eerie whisper drowned out by a wall of guitars, until, suddenly, the song’s fever breaks and the band lurches full speed ahead into the pre-chorus.
The next track, “My Desire,” reels you in immediately with a guitar riff that’s like an addictive up-and-down rollercoaster of sound.
It seems as though Banks is endlessly yearning, using a lyrical lexicon full of longing, lust and lovers.
The song “Same Town, New Story” also delivers another amazing guitar riff, further showcasing Kessler’s true talent and creativity. The song also illustrates that Interpol is more open to experimenting with new sounds, as this is funkier than anything I’ve heard from them previously.
The repeated lyric, “feels like the whole world is coming down on me,” highlights the melancholia that has always been a common denominator in Interpol’s songwriting.
In the past, Interpol’s albums, especially the 2010 self-titled release, felt like a large theater production with dense feelings and dramatic intros and outros, each spanning several minutes long. With “El Pintor,” these elements are replaced with faster riffs, clearer vocals and a dash of funk similar to the music of its heyday. But no matter which album you’re listening to, the songs always maintain a sense of grandeur.
These songs are shorter and less epic, but not in a bad way. They take a lot of tips from the band’s earlier records that were simultaneously more popular and radio-friendly.
In “Breaker 1,” Banks’s echoing voice creates a haunting effect alongside pounding instrumentals as he moans about “aching” and the “beast inside.”
If this sounds pretentious, it’s not. The band has never tried to be anyone but itself. Its work continues to be heavily influenced by Joy Division but never mimics it.
Banks lets his tortured soul run free on this album with lyrics that seem capable of weighing you down. However, the way the songs are structured will instead have you bopping around and tapping your feet.
The second single off the album, “Ancient Ways,” is a fast, loud burst of energy that dies out just as abruptly as it begins.
On “Tidal Waves,” instead of a zany guitar riff to lead in, Fogarino’s drum kit beckons us with booming pedal stomps and crashing cymbals. The song is topped off with a chanting chorus of the track’s title.
The final song, “Twice As Hard,” reimagines old sounds, specifically borrowing from the outro of the band’s 2010 single, “Barricade.”
If Interpol’s sold-out November show at Philly’s Union Transfer is any indicator of the success the band will have with “El Pintor,” then I can only dream of the magic Banks and company will produce in the future.
(09/02/14 9:46pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
The latest from Kim's Declassified College Survival Guide:
Living away at school is a weird concept to grasp sometimes. It’s kind of like, “Bye Mom and Dad, I’m off to have a giant slumber party with 40 other kids my age every night until May, see ya!”
Whether you like it or not, your motley crew of floormates becomes a quasi-family and your 100 degree dorm room becomes a home away from home. Next time you’re walking down your hallway try to spot the following...
5. The Functioning Alcoholic: We all have that lovable drunk down the hall. They came in on move in day with a mission: inebriate the masses. Somehow this person manages to get better grades than you while also holding the best keg stand time within the tri-state area.
4. The Sociopath: Ever seen American Psycho? Ever seen one of your floormates work up a sweat by jump roping in their tight black boxer briefs? Some eloquently spoken, well-dressed dude on your floor has Patrick Bateman spelled all over his open mouth grin.
3. Your Arch Nemesis: It’s been a long time coming. If you haven’t already met this person in high school, prepare your psyche for the destruction it’s about to face when this person curb stomps your dreams (or takes out your wet clothes so THEY can use the dryer).
2. Your Best Friend: On a lighter note, you’d never believe the kind of unbreakable bonds formed between those that live in ridiculously close quarters. When you sleep roughly three feet over a person (bunk beds, people) it brings you closer than ever expected.
1. Your New Crush: Admit ittttt. You like themmmm. You might even like like them. Do I dare say love? Whether you like it or not you’re going to develop feelings for the people you interact with. Even better, it’s for people you NEVER expected. Go for it anyway. Some people just do it for you…
(09/02/14 4:17pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
The loudest place on campus every Friday night was back in action on Friday, Aug. 29, with the first official music show of the fall semester — and what better way to be welcomed back to campus than immediately being pelted with the smell of grease upon entering The Rathskeller.
The co-sponsored event by CUBRat and WTSR brought to campus festival-darlings Ghost Beach and the up-and-coming act Boxed Wine.
To start the show, Boxed Wine, based out of Rutherford, NJ, launched into a fast-paced set of indie party pop.
The band consisted of Chris Nova on vocals and rhythm guitar, Ralph Nicastro on lead guitar, Mike Cerisano on bass and vocals, Steve McCarthy on drums and the band’s newest addition, Andrea Scanniello on keyboard.
The quintet played tracks off of the 2013 album, “Cheap, Fun,” including “Tearing It Up,” “Cannibal” and a brand new song called “Innocent” that they debuted for the packed Rat crowd.
Aside from the high energy and danceable songs, the band also performed a few covers, which included an obligatory salute to Bruce Springsteen with “Dancing in the Dark” and a sped up, high-pitched version of Weezer’s “Hash Pipe.”
Nicastro, who began the band with his long-time roommate Nova, works at a recording studio and mixed Modern Baseball’s debut album, “Sports.” After writing original music and cycling through multiple members, Boxed Wine has finally found a perfect fit with its current lineup.
The band pulls inspiration from indie rock of the early 2000s like The Strokes, Tokyo Police Club and Hot Hot Heat. Nicastro, Nova and Scanniello also have an electronic side project called Marque Dos.
“We’re always learning how to put on a better show,” Nova said.
The band is working on a follow up of “Cheap, Fun” that Nicastro described as “bigger and poppier with more guitar riffs. We’ve added in piano and Chris’s vocals are more subdued — it’s a more mature sound.”
What made the set particularly special was the band’s positive energy. The camaraderie among bandmates was apparent with joking and laughter between songs and smiles throughout the show. The band’s happiness, along with the music, was contagious.
Next up, Ghost Beach brought the grooves with its self-described tropical grit pop. The NYC duo had the crowd run to the front of the stage, tossed around bright blue beach balls and wore neon shades courtesy of WTSR.
Josh Ocean on vocals, bass and synthesizers and Eric “Doc” Mendelsohn on guitars and synthesizers were accompanied by Chris Berry on drums for their dynamic set.
The band played many songs off its 2014 release, “Blonde,” including the hit “Miracle” and “Tear Us Apart,” as well as old favorites from its two 2013 EPs “Modern Tongue” and “Miracle.”
Over the summer the band hit the festival scene, playing sets at Chive Fest and Firefly Music Festival. They will also be performing at TBD Fest in West Sacramento, CA in October.
“It was a crazy thing (playing Firefly),” Mendelsohn said after the show. “It was a lot of fun, and we got to see a lot of great acts ourselves. It’s awesome to see such a large amount of people come together like that.”
The band’s upcoming US tour, “The Champagne Showers Tour with Cherub and Gibbz,” begins this week in Knoxville, TN.
No matter where you may end up seeing them perform, Ghost Beach always wants you to remember one thing while you’re at one of its shows.
“We have a message in our music we hope to get across to all of you,” Ocean said. “It’s to be happy and to just let it all go.”
(08/26/14 5:51pm)
By Kimberly Ilkowski
Review Editor
Do yourself a favor and don’t go to Firefly Music Festival. Once you experience how out-of-this-world incredible and overwhelmingly fantastic it is, going back to normal life is a serious downer. Instead of checking which of your favorite bands is playing, you go back to checking your email. Instead of rocking out to live music, you’re stuck with a quick jam session in your car at a red light.
Attend if you dare, but if you do, get ready for the time of your life.
Firefly Music Festival, now in it’s third year, took place at the newly expanded Woodlands at Dover Downs in Dover, Delaware. Die-hard fans and newcomers alike traveled from every state in the country for four days of live outdoor music spanning Thursday, June 19, to Sunday, June 22. The massive grassy fields surrounded by thick forest were transformed into a community of tents, cars, stages, food stands, shops and more to accommodate the nearly 80,000 attendees.
While some people chose to stay in hotels, my friends and I chose to stay at the campground right outside the festival gates. Several days of using porta-potties makes you miss even the nastiest of communal bathrooms at the College.
As far as camping goes, my friends and I are by no means experts. Who could ever forget the most quintessential part of the tent? My friend, Daniel. We ended up having to borrow stakes from the campers around us just to keep our ancient tent from collapsing on us in the middle of the night.
Sleep was not an option here. Quiet hours began at 2 a.m. with DJs blasting popular music until the very last second. Once I was finally able to rest, I was either waking up before the sun came out to get a shower or burning alive when the sun hit our tent every morning around 8 a.m.
Over a hundred acts were spread equally across seven stages including the Main Stage, which featured the festival’s headliners: Foo Fighters, Outkast and Jack Johnson.
Outkast was a wild dance party from start to finish. Keeping our spots in the front was literally painful — imagine nearly 30,000 people packed together like sardines. Luckily, the second Andre 3000 and Big Boi came out to “Bombs Over Baghdad,” everyone got over the claustrophobia and jumped around like there was no tomorrow.
Other acts included the Arctic Monkeys, who thrust their hips and sauntered around stage as vocalist Alex Turner crooned “Do I Wanna Know.”
Grouplove dove head first into the crowd. Twenty One Pilots climbed the stage scaffolding, and Cage the Elephant had a competition with the audience to see who could get the absolute craziest.
Smaller and lesser-known acts also dominated the weekend. It was the perfect place to discover new music. Bands like San Fermin, Bleachers, Basic Vacation and Washed Out were all new on my radar, and each played an impressive show.
The highlight of my weekend was hands-down the Foo Fighters epic, nearly two-and-a-half hour set on Friday night.
Then, after an adrenaline filled, fists-in-the air scream-along, Dave Grohl and company powered through a five-song encore, which included four classic rock covers and one of my favorite Foo songs, “Everlong.” Grohl gave the crowd everything he had, bouncing around the stage the whole night and even coming down the middle barrier to grab a beer.
Firefly was four days of utter bliss for any true music lover. It was filled with joyous music, rowdy crowds and a communal sense of living with music-loving strangers.
You’ll miss living under the stars and the complete and utter lack of responsibility. Heck, I bet you’ll even miss that crazy guy who played acoustic guitar in line for the showers at six in the morning.