At this year’s Groovin’ on the Grounds concert, Marc Broussard will join Chicago-based Chevelle as the headlining act. While neither Broussard or Chevelle reside at the upper echelon of the music industry, both acts mark a dramatic improvement over past acts at the festival. Last year’s choice of headliner Puddle of Mudd shocked the campus not because the band is altogether shocking but because their obscurity is only topped by their mediocrity. Students on Target face a difficult challenge each year because they have to choose a band that is not only affordable but can bring together the eclectic musical tastes of the University’s diverse student body. And this year the organization’s members appear to have listened to the complaints they received after Puddle of Mudd was announced last year. The days when acts such as the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen or Elvis came to campus seem to have become a thing of the past. But that does not mean the University has to resign itself to enduring headlining performers who would be lucky to receive billing in someone’s garage. The members of Students on Target deserve a bit of positive feedback for taking last year’s criticism in stride and for coming back from it with a vast improvement. Groovin’ on the Grounds is designed to bring the campus together for an alcohol-free celebration, and it has also become a great place for up-and-coming local bands to perform in a high-visibility venue. This year’s local band Fay Wray is an apt choice as it won the annual Battle of the Bands competition in late October. Performing at Groovin’ is a great opportunity for the band’s members, and they bring a little local flavor to the event, which is never a bad thing. There are always bigger and more popular acts out there, and Students on Target should continue to pursue them, but this year they have brought in some respectable acts that should put on a great show. Keep up the good work, Students on Target, and let’s hope this year’s event is far more groovin’ than last year’s.
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