Spring Break
Groove into UConn's music scene on or off campus
Alyssa Carroll
Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: Focus
If there was a totem pole of all things important to college students, music would be right on top next to beer and wings. Music influences us, and we get under the influence of it. Our musical tastes play a lead role in defining who we are, and a musical beat can set a rhythm to our actions.
Though UConn students may range from skinny jeaned hipsters to pierced hardcore fans and twangy do-si-doers, there is a way for everyone to shake their booties into the music scene this year.
On Campus
Fans of all genres can enjoy live music right here on campus in a number of different ways. Coffeehouses featuring free, live performances and snacks are held sporadically throughout the year in areas such as Towers, Hilltop, and Buckley starting this month. Anyone can sign up to play in the show, and it's a great way to meet musicians and music fans alike. Look for Facebook groups and flyers around campus for event information and ways to get involved with the show.
"Coffeehouses are really accessible and have a good range of music," said Christopher Marciniak, a 5th-semester English major. "I've played in them and watched friends play in them before and it's always been a fun experience. It's a good way to meet people, and the baked goods are always exceptional."
Campus organizations such as WHUS, Insense Music, Asylum for the Arts and various a cappella groups are also a great way to get into the UConn music scene. WHUS offers training programs three times a year for prospective DJ's and holds numerous events and concerts, which are typically free to students. Groups like Insense Music and Husky Entertainment focus on CD production and promotion of local and campus bands, and offer students the opportunity to get involved in the background of musical life.
Jorgensen, located towards the center of campus, is the hub of campus performances throughout the year. A variety of shows run regularly throughout the year at inexpensive prices and a number of well-known artists have been known to rock the stage such as Matisyahu, Gym Class Heroes, Rilo Kiley, Joanna Newsom and more.
"The shows there are awesome, I saw Mickey Hart there and it was awesome," said Karl Hueglin, a 3rd-semester exploratory major.
Off Campus
If campus doesn't have the scene you're craving, many local venues may. The Webster Theater, one of the closer venues to campus, is located in Hartford about 40 minutes away. Upcoming shows include Ice Cube, State Radio, Saosin, and the Misfits. The Webster Underground, the Webster's smaller sister club, is great for seeing artists in intimate settings. Look for upcoming shows such as Straylight Run and the American Idols.
Toad' Place, a student favorite and music venue legend is located in New Haven, approximately an hour from campus. In the past, Toad's stage has held some of the biggest names in music like the Doors, the Rolling Stones and U2.
"Toads is a very intimate place to see a show. It's a small place with a small stage and a younger crowd," said Allison Shulman, a 5th-semester environmental science student. "It can turn into a big dance party sometimes, and there are lots of great restaurants and shops near by. I love it!"
Look for upcoming shows such as Anthony Green, Built to Spill, Nas, Pinback and more.
Manic Productions, a New Haven booking and promotions agency, holds shows in various locations across Connecticut, and can be a great and inexpensive way to see underground and lesser known bands in smaller settings. Upcoming shows include Heavy Heavy Low Low, Aeroplane 1929 and Man Man.
Alyssa.Carroll@UConn.edu
Though UConn students may range from skinny jeaned hipsters to pierced hardcore fans and twangy do-si-doers, there is a way for everyone to shake their booties into the music scene this year.
On Campus
Fans of all genres can enjoy live music right here on campus in a number of different ways. Coffeehouses featuring free, live performances and snacks are held sporadically throughout the year in areas such as Towers, Hilltop, and Buckley starting this month. Anyone can sign up to play in the show, and it's a great way to meet musicians and music fans alike. Look for Facebook groups and flyers around campus for event information and ways to get involved with the show.
"Coffeehouses are really accessible and have a good range of music," said Christopher Marciniak, a 5th-semester English major. "I've played in them and watched friends play in them before and it's always been a fun experience. It's a good way to meet people, and the baked goods are always exceptional."
Campus organizations such as WHUS, Insense Music, Asylum for the Arts and various a cappella groups are also a great way to get into the UConn music scene. WHUS offers training programs three times a year for prospective DJ's and holds numerous events and concerts, which are typically free to students. Groups like Insense Music and Husky Entertainment focus on CD production and promotion of local and campus bands, and offer students the opportunity to get involved in the background of musical life.
Jorgensen, located towards the center of campus, is the hub of campus performances throughout the year. A variety of shows run regularly throughout the year at inexpensive prices and a number of well-known artists have been known to rock the stage such as Matisyahu, Gym Class Heroes, Rilo Kiley, Joanna Newsom and more.
"The shows there are awesome, I saw Mickey Hart there and it was awesome," said Karl Hueglin, a 3rd-semester exploratory major.
Off Campus
If campus doesn't have the scene you're craving, many local venues may. The Webster Theater, one of the closer venues to campus, is located in Hartford about 40 minutes away. Upcoming shows include Ice Cube, State Radio, Saosin, and the Misfits. The Webster Underground, the Webster's smaller sister club, is great for seeing artists in intimate settings. Look for upcoming shows such as Straylight Run and the American Idols.
Toad' Place, a student favorite and music venue legend is located in New Haven, approximately an hour from campus. In the past, Toad's stage has held some of the biggest names in music like the Doors, the Rolling Stones and U2.
"Toads is a very intimate place to see a show. It's a small place with a small stage and a younger crowd," said Allison Shulman, a 5th-semester environmental science student. "It can turn into a big dance party sometimes, and there are lots of great restaurants and shops near by. I love it!"
Look for upcoming shows such as Anthony Green, Built to Spill, Nas, Pinback and more.
Manic Productions, a New Haven booking and promotions agency, holds shows in various locations across Connecticut, and can be a great and inexpensive way to see underground and lesser known bands in smaller settings. Upcoming shows include Heavy Heavy Low Low, Aeroplane 1929 and Man Man.
Alyssa.Carroll@UConn.edu
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