By Regina Iannizzotto
Opinion Editor
On October 12, 2011, Saint Rose students came together to put on an event enjoyable for all in the Nolan Gymnasium. Harvest Fest in the Wild Wild West, put together by Meagan Corbett and her committee, was three hours of music, games, and activities. According to Corbett, many more clubs asked to partake in this year’s event than last year. “There was a really great turnout,” said Corbett. Her favorite part was the t-shirts because she loved the design. Everyone seemed to agree with her because they were sold out in record time. Baseball jerseys with a hat and mustache on the front, and the band names on the back were worn by many all night.
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) was there with a Cider Pong Table. The Student Events Board (SEB) prepared an obstacle course where the player had to gallop on a stick horse. The Adventure Club had a Target Shoot Out with plastic guns and targets on the wall. These are just some of the clubs that were tabling with games and activities for all. There was the ever popular Velcro Wall as well that put a child-like smile on all who jumped.
From Staten Island, It’s Not Over travelled to perform a set that opened up the event. Known from their performance at Rose Rock, manager Alex Titta said, “It feels really good to be back. Rose Rock was great and judging by the looks of it, it’s going to be a lot of fun.” Before leaving, Titta and band members Michael Giordano (lead vocals, guitar) and Gabe Ramirez (bass) could not resist a few jumps on the Velcro Wall.
The next performance was by The Golden Notes. Performing popular songs a cappella, they kept the attention of many visitors who sat on the floor in front of them. They premiered their rendition of Sara Bareilles’ “King of Anything,” performed by Alejandra Lizama and Jenny Gorman. The group performed twice; once after It’s Not Over and once again after Engloria. After their performances, they hung around their table singing songs and having people guess it; sort of like “Name that Tune.”
Following the first Golden Notes performance, was Engloria. This is the third time the band has performed at The College of Saint Rose. Their use of piano makes them unique. They gave a performance that connected with the crowd.
After the second Golden Notes performance, The Meishlunday, famous at Saint Rose, performed their set to a crowd full of people. Band member Paul Jenkins said “We loved seeing new and old fans alike gathered to see us and their interaction with us.” When the band performed a cover of Cake’s “Short Skirt, Long Jacket”, Jenkins said, “…The crowd really went wild…It made us play even better as we were that much more excited to perform for them.” Every performance is different no matter how many times a band plays in one place. His final words were, “It all boils down to this: Without the fans, friends and family, there is no performance.”
The final band to perform was The Merritt. Three band members make up this group. They lent their instruments to a fellow band to show their love for music.
The Emcees of Harvest Fest were Myles Clendenin and Gigi Dee. Not happy with her confidence, Dee was not thrilled with her performance. However, Clendenin claimed he could not do it without her. Both Dee’s and Clendenin’s favorite part was dancing to The Meishlunday. “They get better in each performance they do,” said Clendenin. Agreeing, Dee said, “They did great…as did all of the bands that played.” When it came to being an emcee, Clendenin said, “It was fun to get people laughing and pumped for the performers.” Between every performance, Dee and Clendenin got up on stage and made sure the crowd was listening. They made sure the crowd was paying attention and informed them of the next performance. “It’s awesome to come together and listen to great tunes with my friends,” said Dee.
Overall, Harvest Fest in the Wild Wild West was a huge success. For all of the bands that played, the crowd thanked them with their cheers and applause.
