Freshman year started with a bang for many new students this Friday night, as “Shindig at the Fountain” brought color and music to campus. Hosted as a joint effort of the Student Association Programming Board (SAPB) and Campus Activities with help from Binghamton Underground Music Presents (BUMP), the event featured a Ferris wheel, a “Berry-Go-Round” and two musical acts.
The night began with a set by Active Bird Community, a four-piece band making its second appearance in Binghamton, after Moefest last semester. The band kept the mood light, and entertained the students as they met their future classmates. The band was a huge hit amongst the crowd.
“I love the band,” said, Kaylan Haralambides, undeclared freshman. “As soon as he opened his mouth, I was like, ‘I’m in love with you.’”
As the sky got darker, more students migrated toward the stage to give the main act a sizable crowd. Rubblebucket started its set with a lot of lights, smoke and excitement in the crowd. The group announced that they would perform tracks from their new record, “Survival Sounds,” which is now available.
Rubblebucket is a 5-piece group that describes themselves as “a wild art-pop band from Brooklyn, NY.” They were high energy and interactive with the crowd, creating a fun atmosphere for the attendees. In addition to the spectacle on stage, green lights shown throughout the audience in the form of light up bracelet giveaways.
“Everything is glowing here,” said Shemar Middleton, an undeclared freshman. “It’s making me really happy.”
“Shindig at the Fountain” is the first event of the year that is specifically geared toward the incoming freshman. It was followed by a weekend full of events like University Fest and Rec Fest, meant to acclimate new students.
“After move in, it’s really scary,” said Chris Zamlout, executive vice president of the SA. “Having something fun that you can go to, to meet new people and hang out, it’s good.”