By Mallory Schlabach, Editor in Chief
Student bands interested in playing at the third annual JamFest during Homecoming can audition Thursday and Friday for a spot in a line-up that already includes Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys, Streets of Simon Lee and O’Scarlet.
Auditions will take place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday in Bennett Gymnasium, and those interested can sign up in the Campus Activities Board Office, located in the Bean Sprout, before 4:30 p.m. Thursday, said Chris Campbell, ACU alumni outreach officer.
Assistant co-chair on the steering committee for JamFest Amanda Hollingsworth said five bands had already signed up as of Tuesday, and several demos had been sent in by bands that couldn’t make the auditions, she said.
A set number of bands able to play in JamFest has not been determined yet, Campbell said.
Bands wanting to audition for JamFest need to be students at the university or a combination of students at the university and recent graduates.
Hollingsworth said last year the steering committee brought in two alumni to perform, but that they wouldn’t do that this year.
"We brought them in for the Centennial Year, and we paid them, but this year we really wanted to focus on the students playing," she said.
More than 200 alumni and students attended last year, Hollingsworth said.
Although typically more students than alumni attend JamFest, Campbell said, the event is scheduled as one of the first events of Homecoming because music is something everyone enjoys.
"The carnival is going on at the same time as JamFest, so it makes it easy for alumni to walk over and enjoy the bands as well," Campbell said. "All types of genres are represented at JamFest so there’s something there for everyone."
Hollingsworth, junior agribusiness major from Fanger, said JamFest also allows students to connect with alumni.
"JamFest is a great opportunity to meet alumni," she said. "A lot of students don’t get the opportunity to see alumni on campus and this time just gives them a chance to causally meet and greet people."
JamFest will take place Oct. 13 outside the Zona Luce building on the grass. It is a free concert, and T-shirts for JamFest will be sold in the Campus Store during the week of Homecoming for $5, Campbell said.
