This year’s Groovin’ on the Grounds, hosted by Students on Target, UPC Music & Mayhem and Student Government, will achieve diversity not seen in past years.
“Because the Homecoming Pep Rally was canceled due to the hurricanes we have a lot more money to put into Groovin’,” said Landon Franklin, Students on Target publicity chair and Music & Mayhem chairperson. “We could afford to bring a variety of acts to the concert portion of the event.”
The Gin Blossoms, who were scheduled for last semester’s Homecoming concert, agreed to play for Groovin’. Other performances will include Battle of the Bands winner The Krewe, as well as Vapors, Rockin’ Dipsey Jr. and the highly anticipated Nappy Roots.
“This may be the first time the campus was able to commit performance artists within the same year of their Grammy nomination,” Franklin said of Nappy Roots. “They were nominated for Best New Artist, and their release went three times platinum.”
Groovin’ aims to provide an array of activities for the entire Baton Rouge community to enjoy without the influence of alcohol, said Emilia Gilbert, SOT director and former Union Governing Board president.
“LSU Dining Services will provide free funnel cake. Guests can play volleyball and basketball courtesy of the Student Recreational Center,” Gilbert said. “KLSU will have a water dunk, and the Wellness Center will have a Think Fast booth where contestants can win $200.”
Other activities include inflatable games and a rockwall.
Because of the music line-up and good timing SOT has seen significant growth in turnout over the past two years, Franklin said.
“We are trying to expand our publicity even more. We are advertising in Lafayette and New Orleans,” Franklin said.
Although the event’s main focus is to satisfy LSU students, event coordinators are advertising to pull in more of southern Louisiana’s community.
“We have a very diverse line-up of bands students want to see. It is important that their money goes toward events they want to come to,” Franklin said.
As an open event, the organizations behind Groovin’ strive to make the affair as entertaining as possible to emphasize the motto of the event, “A Good Time Not Wasted.” SOT seeks to provide fun experiences which also educate attendees about the dangers of substance abuse, according to its Web site.
“I am excited about the event overall,” Gilbert said. “It’s just an event where everyone can have a good time and learn about taking care of themselves.”
Groovin’ will be held April 4 on the Parade Ground beginning at 1:30 p.m. The concert will start at 4:30 p.m.