Tomorrow afternoon, University Activities Organization will be taking over the Bowen-Thompson Student Union with the “Union Bash and Ballroom Blitz.” The festivities kick off at 3 p.m. and go on until 10 p.m. Admission is free to all of the activities during the event.
According to UAO vice president Jordan Ohler, UAO has reserved almost every room in the Union. In the movie theater, there will be highlight films, including the BG football game against Northwestern and the men’s basketball game against the University of Michigan. There will also be information tables from several different student organizations, including Dance Marathon and Black Student Union. Entertainment includes karate demonstrations, palm and tarot card readings, and jugglers.
“This is just one of the many Union kick-off bashes,” he said,”It’s a big party for students. This is one long rowdy day of fun stuff.”
Perhaps one of the most noteworthy events will be the Battle of the Bands, which will be followed by a concert from RedWantingBlue.
“We’ve had a great response from bands,” said Lisa Feldhaus, UAO director of programming, about the battle. The artists who will be part of the competition are Pinewood, Jabez, Corey Hawkey, When Words Fail, Phil Weilmau, H20 Band, Chaotic Euphoria, and Woodside Quinn.
According to Ohler, the eight bands will be competing for cash prizes. First place comes with a $500 prize, second place will be worth $300, and the third place winners will take home $200. Feldhaus said that the bands will begin playing at 2:30 p.m., and the winner will be announced between Sanctus Real and RedWantingBlue’s sets.
The last time RedWantingBlue performed on campus, they were opening for Everclear during Rock the Flock. The band Sanctus Real will opening the show.
Sanctus Real is a four man band from Toledo. They formed in 1996 and their list of influences include classic rock and mainstream pop. Their single “Won’t Walk Away” was a radio favorite in northwest Ohio.
“I think they [the audience] can expect a good rock and roll show. We’re looking forward to playing the Bowling Green campus,” said Mark Graalman, drummer for Sanctus Real. He added that the band has played smaller shows on campus but nothing as large as the show on Friday.
“We’re excited about that,” he said.
Graalman went on to describe the band’s sound. “It’s kinda like if you took the Foo Fighters, Goo Goo Dolls, and Weezer and put them in a blender. It’s an emo-pop rock sound.”
RedWantingBlue will be coming to the Union shortly after a sold-out gig in support of The Swinging Lovehammers at the House of Blues in Chicago. The band calls Columbus their adoptive home. Along with opening duties during Rock the Flock, the band has played with Our Lady Peace, Fuel, Staind, and Kid Rock.
Feldhaus said that events would be going on all day and that students could stop by between classes. “It’s just going to be so much fun,” she said, “The Union is the place to be Friday.”
