Vertical Horizon, Andy Griggs, and Cee-lo Green are the main events at this year’s Groovin’ on the Grounds, a day-long festival put on by Students on Target. The festival will take place tomorrow from noon to midnight.
Performers this year also include local acts Kelvin and The Benjy Davis Project.
The bands are chosen by a combination of price limitations and who is popular at the moment, said Mike Clay, a member of Students on Target.
It cost the University between $15,000 and $20,000 to bring Vertical Horizon and Cee-lo to campus, and close to $10,000 for Andy Griggs.
Kelvin, the winner of this year’s Battle of the Bands this past November — also sponsored by Students on Target — will begin the live performances at 4:30 p.m.
“Kelvin is one of the best acts I’ve ever seen, kind of a Tenacious D kind of thing,” said Kyle Wilkinson, co-director of Students on Target. “It’s spoken-word, humorous entertainment.”
Following Kelvin will be Baton Rouge natives The Benjy Davis Project at 6 p.m.
“Of course, The Benjy Davis Project is a Baton Rouge favorite that people always enjoy,” Wilkinson said.
Vertical Horizon, who will perform at 7:30 p.m., is best known for their 1999 album “Everything You Want,” which includes the hit singles, “Everything You Want,” “We Are,” “You’re a God,” and “Best I Ever Had.” They recently released their newest album, “Go,” in September 2003 and the U.S. Top 40 single “I’m Still Here.”
Country singer and Louisiana native Andy Griggs, who had a number one hit with his debut single, “You Won’t Ever Be Lonely” in 1999 and is known for his other hits such as “She’s More,” and “I’ll Go Crazy,” will perform at 9 p.m.
Cee-lo Green is headlining the event, with his famous hip-hop singles, “Closet Freak,” “I’ll Be Around,” and “The One.” He recently released “Cee-lo Green is the Soul Machine” on March 3, and it debuted at number two on the rap/hip-hop charts, according to Wilkinson. Cee-lo is last to perform, scheduled at 10:30 p.m.
In addition to the live music, the festival will feature inflatable games, including a bungee run and obstacle courses, video games set up for students to play, and food provided by LSU Vending. The Rec Center will also provide games, such as a basketball shoot.
The Wellness Committee will also provide activities including a simulated course to show how drunk driving affects your vision. Another activity by the committee will be a three-legged race while one person is wearing drunk goggles and the other is blindfolded. They will also provide free “mocktails” — non-alcoholic cocktail drinks, according to Jessica Johnson, a member of the Wellness Committee for Students on Target.
Johnson also said that the committee is trying to get the Rec Center to have a workout demonstration and massages.
Groovin’ on the Grounds began in spring 1993 as “Groovin’ for Groceries,” and the purpose was for students to bring canned goods as well as attend the concert. It eventually evolved into Groovin’ on the Grounds after the formation of Students on Target, with the theme of “A Good Time Not Wasted,” which promotes having a fun time in an alcohol-free environment.
“The whole purpose is to have a night without drinking, a non-alcoholic event,” said Samantha Pruitt, a member of Students on Target.
Past bands who performed at Groovin on the Grounds have included Better Than Ezra, Cowboy Mouth and Blessid Union of Souls.
“I hope everybody will come out, come to the festival, and stay all day and all night because it’s really a unique experience for a university to put on something like this,” Wilkinson said. “It’s going to be a great time for everbody, you don’t want to miss out.”
2004 Schedule
* Noon ~ Food, games and booths
* 4:30 p.m. ~ Kelvin
* 6 p.m. ~ The Benjy Davis Project
* 7:30 p.m. ~ Vertical Horizon
* 9 p.m. ~ Andy Griggs
* 10:30 p.m. ~ Cee-Lo Green
* Midnight ~ Event ends