Isa Cruz

Summer is over, and Jack Magee’s Pub is back with its regularly scheduled programming of stand-up shows, trivia nights and NFL watch parties that have become the norm in past semesters. But Student Activities is also looking to boost student engagement with the space by adding an all-new slate of events to the Pub’s schedule.

Building on the success of student-organized music events in the Pub last spring, such as the WBOR “Boiler Room” student DJ sets and a performance by Brooklyn-based rock band Juice, Student Activities is planning a small series of concerts set to take place in the Pub this fall. While the names of the visiting artists are yet to be released, the series will begin on October 3 and conclude on December 5. Student Activities is hoping to have various student bands and DJs serve as openers for these performances.

Assistant Director of Student Activities Emma Gould hopes to use the Pub’s space to enhance the student experience through the space.

“I think Bowdoin has a really cool student music community on campus, and I’m personally really excited to bring in these smaller, upcoming artists,” Gould said.

Along with the student bands and DJs opening for the visiting artists, Bowdoin student musicians will also have the opportunity to sit down with and talk with artists. Gould hopes that student bands are able to seek tips, hear advice and discuss their music with other musicians.

“Part of my job, which I really enjoy, is getting to know student bands on campus, and I think we can really enhance it going forward. I think student bands are a big part of the school culture,” Gould said. “Something that’s also really cool about that is in our contract with these artists, we’ve given the option for students to interview artists a week before the actual performances.”

Gould also mentioned that although her department will be putting plenty of energy into maintaining existing programming at the Pub, the series of performances will be a big priority for Student Activities.

“The concerts are our biggest focus this semester, just because we’re trying something new with that,” Gould said.

The Student Activities is working with Dining Services to keep the bar open until 11 p.m. for the concert dates, hoping to further increase student engagement in these events.

Gould mentioned that one of Student Activities’ primary goals for this year is to help revitalize nightlife on campus—especially in the Pub—and that her work with students represents a large part of that effort.

“I work with a group of students who are on the Pub entertainment team, and I work with these students to create student-led programs in the Pub,” Gould said. “We want to bring nightlife back for students, including first-years.”

Student Pub Entertainment Manager Grace Lott ’26 said she is enthusiastic about the new events planned. She was particularly optimistic about what the concert series meant for nightlife on campus.

“I’m really excited for the team we have at the Pub this year. There’s so much we can do with such a central spot on campus. The goal is to liven up the student experience and make the Pub an essential place on campus,” Lott said.

Regularly scheduled Pub events, such as Pub Trivia and NFL football watch parties, will follow a similar schedule as past semesters. Pub Trivia will start next Thursday, September 12, and the NFL watch parties will be hosted on various Sundays during the football season. The popular 50-cent wing deal offered at the Sunday watch parties is also set to return.