By Marisa Russell (Special to the Chronicle) Fall Fest has Hofstra bringing back the old and bringing in the new this year. The campus is buzzing in preparation for the anticipated weekend of live comedy and music.
Hundreds of staff and student organization members are working together to prepare for the event that is expected to draw thousands. Clubs like Hofstra Concerts and Entertainment Unlimited are taking care of everything that Vibe Live has to offer, while the Department of Student Affairs works to prepare for Homecoming, the parade and the rest of the weekend events. Preparation for the event began in early March.
However, some changes have taken place since last year’s event, including the return by-popular-demand of the “Out Loud” comedy show. Sandra Johnson, Vice President of Student Affairs, said that last year, “Out Loud” could not be held due to preparation for the presidential debate that quickly followed Fall Fest in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. But after an outpouring of demand from students, Hofstra has brought back the comedy show.
Aziz Ansari, best known for his role as Tom Haverford in NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” will be this year’s act, a decision that has pleased many students.
The Vibe Live portion of the event will include musical performances from Sugar Ray, Ke$ha and BonJourney, a Bon Jovi and Journey cover band. These acts are expected to help create a crowd with diverse musical tastes.
Fall Fest will also contain the first ever “Run with Pride 5K,” an event that Chrissy Arnone, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Promotions, said requires more staff than Fall Fest usually does. The event will benefit the Women’s Soccer Team.
Public Safety is also involved with the Fall Fest preparation. Karen O’Callaghan, Director of Public Safety, said safety is important this year, especially during the Vibe Live concert because of the increase in demands from this year’s festival.
“I want the students to have fun, but remember to respect those around you,” O’Callaghan said.
According to Johnson, the event is a kickoff to the fall semester, marking and celebrating the start of another academic year.