Homecoming Steering Committee members promised JamFest 2009 will be nothing but four hours of good solid music, complete with 80s sunglasses and fireworks.
Twelve bands were chosen for the event, including highlight performers, Swing the Lead and Dan and The Stage Bang.
Student bands were selected to perform after auditions last week. Each act was judged on how well the musicians played together, how prepared they were for the audition and the quality and originality of their music, said Stephen Munoz, student director of JamFest and senior marketing major from San Diego.
Munoz said the Steering Committee strove to create a “concert” atmosphere this year, and he is looking forward to it.
“This year, we have really talented people playing the entire time,” Munoz said. “It’s pretty much going to be like a music festival. Bands wont be playing as long as they did in the past; it will be a lot of music and you won’t get bored of it really fast.”
Emma Pierce, senior advertising and public relations major from Houston, said all kinds of music will be represented this year, compared to previous shows that included predominantly acoustic music. Genres range from classic rock to reggae to electronica.
“Anyone who likes music of any kind will come out and find music that they like,” Pierce said.
Three stages will create smooth transitions between shows, allowing time for smaller bands and solo acts to set up while other bands play, said committee members. The show will take place at the Hunter Welcome Center to create more space for the audience.
The show will be Daniel Hixon’s first time to play in Abilene with his band, Dan and The Stage Bang.
Hixon, sophomore business finance major from San Antonio, said he sees JamFest as a venue to share his band’s music with friends who are unable to attend shows out of town. He said Munoz’s approach to the show is refreshing.
Students can purchase JamFest-themed sunglasses and T-shirts as part of the festivities, and the event will end with a bang when fireworks are launched over the lake in front of the Hunter Welcome Center. The free event will take place from 6-10 p.m. Friday.
