This article was published in Monday's Crimson White
The Greek community was partying in full force Saturday night during the second annual Greekfest. Fraternity row was blocked off to allow thousands to gather to hear acts such as Azz Iz, Keller Williams, moe. and Robert Earl Keen.
“I thought the turnout was so much better than last year, due in large part to the lineup,” said Rob Sabin, the Interfraternity Council executive vice president.
This year’s “U of Blue” event was sponsored by Costa Del Mar, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Billfish Foundation helping conserve the marlin and sailfish populations. The Billfish Foundation is the world’s largest international billfish tagging program.
Costa provided free goodies such as window decals, can holders and eyewear retainers. Costa also held a drawing for free sunglasses.
The night was not just about partying. A large part of the proceeds were also donated to Magic Moments, a charity organization that is similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in that it provides wishes to seriously ill children in Alabama.
“Funds will be determined Monday morning when we can get to the bank and also determine the number of tickets sold,” Sabin said.
This is the second year Greekfest has contributed to Magic Moments.
The Interfraternity Council outdid itself with this year’s lineup. A popular act in Tuscaloosa, Azz-Iz started off the night with their hip hop, R&B and rock lineup. The Atlanta-based group will be returning to Tuscaloosa to play at Capone’s 4th and 23rd on Sept. 11. This was the group’s second year to participate.
Keller Williams took the stage at 7:45. A self-proclaimed “one-man-jam-band” out of Virginia, Keller exhibited his rendition of Nirvana’s “All Apologies” in his signature bluegrass/folk/funk style. A self-taught musician, Williams has toured with acts such as Umphrey’s McGee and the String Cheese Incident. Williams uses a guitar connected to a Gibson Echoplex Delay system, allowing him to play unaccompanied and with a variety of instruments.
Robert Earl Keen, who has been on the college music scene since 1980, took the stage at 9:15 with his hit, “The Road Goes on Forever.” A Texas native, Keen has a discography displaying 15 records and four top-five hits.
The progressive rock band moe. rounded out the night at 11. moe. has been around since the 80’s and, along with Keen, is a regular on the college radio scene.
Ben Black, a sophomore majoring in English, said he attended the show for the musicians, along with a slew of other students not involved in greek life.
“The acts are so worth $25,” Black said. “You feel a little out of place to begin with, but ultimately everybody’s really nice, even if you’re not greek.”
Last year’s acts included Sister Hazel and Blues Traveler, and Black said this year’s Greekfest was an improvement.
“Last year was okay,” Black said. “I mean, you can hear those bands anywhere, but somebody had to work to get Robert Earl Keen here.”
Security was tight on Jefferson Avenue Friday night, and only students 21 or older with an I.D. were allowed in with beer. Separate yellow wristbands were distributed to those old enough to drink.
“Even though they threw away my liquor,” Black said, “it’s been a good night.”
I'm DEFINATELY counting this as..
47. Attend a fraternity band party
