Though it is sad to think of a concert on the Quad without those sorely missed tree sculptures, the four live bands, inflatable toys, and raffle prizes at this Saturday's Bear AIDS concert should keep Ivies Weekend's easily-entertained students more than occupied.
Starting at 2:00 p.m., members of the Bowdoin community are encouraged to stop trying to kick their kegs and start kicking up their heels to guest bands Dilated Peoples, Koufax, and the Mammals, as well as Bowdoin's own Battle of the Bands winner, the Jim Weeks Philharmonic.
The show's biggest name and main attraction, Dilated Peoples, is a hip-hop trio that originated in Los Angeles. Coming off the release of their third and most widely recognized album Neighborhood Watch, featuring the single "This Way," Dilated Peoples has been touring the country, interviewing for magazines, and appearing on television shows, including BET's Rap City and The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn.
The Jim Weeks Philharmonic is very excited to be opening for Dilated Peoples, and bassist Ely Delman '06 is "looking forward to playing for a lot of people out on the Quad and bringing some jam funk kind of grooves."
There will truly be a variety of sounds out under the sun. The four members of Koufax alone cross genres between rock, pop, and punk, focusing less on guitar and using a lot of keyboard and synthesizer. And while the Mammals may be a lesser known name, two of the band members are the offspring of renowned artists. Jay Ungar's daughter Ruth and Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, the son of Pete Seeger, join songwriter Michael Merenda to form the old-time string trio.
For some, however, taking in the array of tunes from a blanket on the grass may not be enough. Concert-goers have the option of heading over to Hubbard, well within listening distance, to partake in a variety of more lively activities, including an obstacle course, an inflatable slide, and boxing matches inside a bouncy-bounce. Also, poetry and artwork by Bowdoin students will be on display.
T-shirts and raffle tickets will be sold at the concert to benefit the Merrymeeting AIDS Support Services. The Activities Board has worked hard this year to bring raffle prizes that are more appropriate for Bowdoin students, such as a color TV, a DVD player, and gift certificates to restaurants and for CDs and videos.
Event coordinator Nick Walker '04 spoke of the A-Board's efforts to "refocus on making [the concert] a successful fundraiser." While admission is free, the A-Board is counting on the generosity of students to make purchases or donate money. With many students in a state susceptible to spending, hopefully those who would not normally open their hearts to such a cause will not have a problem opening their wallets.
In the event of rain, all activities will be moved into Smith Union, with the concert stage in Morrell Lounge and the fun inflatables to Sargent Gym. Though so far it seems that the skies should be clear, not even weather could ruin this Saturday's main event, because regardless of whether or not the rain is pouring, it is guaranteed that the pitchers will be.