By KATE PIERCE
Staff Writer
On Saturday, April 30, the annual Rose Rock concert took place on the quad at the College of Saint Rose. The theme for this year’s event was “America,” with headliner Mayday Parade taking the stage after several performances from on- and off-campus groups.
The music began with Cobblestone, a folk music band that won the chance to open for Rose Rock at Fear Fest in October last semester. They played a mixture of original music and covers.
“We wrote this song, don’t let anyone tell you different,” joked one of the band members before they began their rendition of “Uptown Funk.”
Next in the lineup was the Spectrum Cultural Explosion, which consisted of five different performing groups. First was rapper Cool J, followed by Salsuny, a salsa dancing duo. King Jules, a rapper and singer, took the stage afterwards and was followed by dancers from Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. The closing group consisted of dancers from Groove Phi Groove.
At the end of the Spectrum performances, club president Anthony Sanabria came on stage to thank the audience for coming out to the event. Sanabria is leaving his post as president when he graduates this May.
Preceding Mayday Parade was a performance by Rare Futures, a self-described R&B and rock group.
To close out the day of music, Mayday Parade took the stage and were greeted with a very enthusiastic bubble of people around the front of the stage. The band played a mixture of songs from their most recent album and songs from when they first formed 10 years ago.
Lead singer Derek Sanders said that the performers were going to take the crowd back to one of the first songs they wrote: “Three Cheers for Five Years.” The statement and song were met with approval and excitement from the crowd.
In between performances, hosts Meghan Mallon and Michael Aurrichio announced who would be performing next.
“I’m absolutely honored to be one of the hosts for this event,” said Aurrichio. “I’ve been itching to host ever since my first year, so I guess you could say that this is a Strose Dream come true.”
If need be, the hosts told America-themed jokes to fill time.
“I heard a joke about the liberty bell… it cracked me up,” said Mallon.
Speaking about the theme, Saint Rose freshman Victoria Stubbs said, “It’s a cool way to bring everyone together without worrying about the current political scene.”
While seeing students lounge around the quad, sitting on blankets and playing frisbee may be a regular sight on any other day, Rose Rock brought a change of pace to the atmosphere of the campus.
“The energy that was here all day was here since they were setting up in the morning,” said Sonia Morriera. “The bands each play music that everyone can get into, and everyone can have a great time.”
During and in between performances there were many available activities on the quad, one of which was a red, white and blue balloon photo booth that tied in with the theme.
There were also games of Kan Jam and Garbage Pong in addition to inflatable games Wrecking Ball and Meltdown from Neon Entertainment.
“They’ve been a hit every year,” said staff member Jessica Gabala, of the inflatable games. “Everyone has a really great time.”
In the midst of the games and music were several booths of bake sales and other fundraising vendors. One table hosted members of Rose Record Label Group. In between performances, some of the music was provided by the club.
“We’re really happy to participate in such a big event,” said Maria McNamara, the public relations coordinator of the club.
One very popular booth sold two different styles of Rose Rock T-shirts and a Rose Rock themed snapback hat in addition to SA swag from past events.
Food for the event was provided by the Saint Rose dining service staff through Aramark. Earlier in the day there was also a food truck that offered free fried dough.
“Rose Rock is an absolute blast,” said Aurrichio. “There’s great music, fun games, awesome food, and you’re surrounded by your friends. What else could you really ask for? In my opinion, this is the best way to alleviate stress before finals and to have one last hurrah before the semester and year is over.”
