By Tanner Anderson, Page Editor

After a one-month hiatus, The Rocketboys landed in Abilene once again to perform at their alma mater and showcase some new songs.

The stage was set outside of the Hunter Welcome Center as prospective and current students walked around with multi-colored lips courtesy of Cajun Cones, and people found their desired listening locations.

The Rocketboys’, who changed their band name from Homer Hiccolm and The Rocketboys, arrival was not entirely nostalgia driven. Jenni Williams, Admissions Events Coordinator, helped prepare a Big Splash Event, which is used to showcase the campus to high school students.

Williams said Big Splash Events are held in areas outside of Abilene as well. She said they have been to Houston and San Antonio, and they usually take prospective students to sporting events for the evening.

Jake Gonzalez, senior at Cooper High School, attended the event with Gilbert Mcoy, senior from Abilene high school.

“I like it,” Mcoy said. “It spices up my night and gives us something to do instead of playing guitar, work or Facebook.”

The event was free to both current and prospective students, except for the snow cones; prospective students snacked for free, while current students paid the regular prices.

“We just wanted to do something unique for ACU,” Williams said. “This is something that we thought both prospective and current students could enjoy.”

Williams said it was relatively easy to contact The Rocketboys at their new location in Austin, and the band jumped at the opportunity to play in Abilene once again.

“It’s a little bit of nostalgia coming back,” guitarist Daniel Wheeler said. “I’m glad we’re staying connected. It’s cool to stay involved, and we feel pretty fortunate that we have a town that’s filled with support.”

The six-man group, which has been a full-time band since last spring, showcased some of its latest work, playing songs titled Like Ice in Water, All the Western Winds, Sights and Sounds and Islands.

Wheeler said The Rocketboys will begin a five-week tour in June with the band Dear Future to promote their new upcoming full-length album, 20,000 Ghosts.

The release date for their album is not certain, but the band hopes to release it either late in the summer or early in the fall.

Wheeler said the album will have 11 tracks and will be 45 minutes to an hour long.