This August, The University of Olivet is hosting its first ever music festival, aimed to bring the campus community together in a new, exciting way. The daylong event Saturday, August 25 will feature artists in a variety of genres from Michigan and surrounding areas, create a new outlet for Comets to build relationships, and provide a unique opportunity for students to develop leadership skills.
“I thought hosting a music festival on campus would be a great way to bring students together, and especially make an impact on new freshmen,” explained senior Zach Oshinsky, an event organizer for the OC Music Festival and lover of all things music himself. “I really enjoy attending music festivals and just thought to myself, ‘I could make this happen at The University of Olivet.’ I think this event will be a great addition to Welcome Week, and I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone having a good time.”
Zach, in addition to the Student Government Association and Student Athletic Advisory Council, have taken charge to fund and plan the event, backed by college administration. While their goal is provide the ultimate welcoming environment to Comets when they arrive to campus this fall, the experience is also allowing students to develop their leadership, planning and communication skills in a whole new way. Students have been responsible for pitching the idea, planning a budget, scheduling performers, renting equipment and following regulations.
“The planning process has been a lot of hard work, but also a lot of fun and beneficial to my personal growth,” Zach explained. “I’ve played baseball since I was 4-years old, and through my experience as a student-athlete, I’ve always known the importance of setting goals. This was a big goal, and I’ve proven to myself that I can reach it. I’ve learned a tremendous amount about managing a budget, and scheduling artists seemed like it would be a big challenge. I’m studying sports psychology, so working with all types of people is a skill I’m developing to use in my career. That’s also helped me pick artists that I think will appeal to a wide variety of students and others who attend the festival.”
The University of Olivet Music Festival lineup currently includes eight outstanding artists, and additional performers may be added.
- Growing indie rock act Michigander will headline the festival.
- Active Lansing community member Mikeyy Austin, a hip-hop and soul rap artist, will also take the stage.
- Munch, a Detroit native, will perform a blend of hip-hop and a new age twist of electronic house production.
- Tiger and Frame is also included in the lineup, a family-formed alternative and indie rock band from Grand Rapids.
- Windsor based Soul Brother Stef will deliver hip-hop and instrumental beats.
- Grand Valley State University student Hope Waidley will perform in a pop and alternative style.
- Northern Michigan act JD Wright will perform rock, folk and Americana songs.
- Southwest Michigan based band Modern Adventures will add an alternative rock sound to the lineup.
The music festival will be an outdoor event held at the Cutler Athletic Complex. The venue will open at 1 p.m., with musical performances from 1:30 to 11:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend this event, and children under 12 are free with a ticketed adult. Parking is free and located on Marshall Road. Tickets to the event are on sale for $20, but anyone who is a member of the The University of Olivet community may use the code “OCComets” at checkout to receive a $5 discount.
A robust student life experience is just one of the great things about The University of Olivet. Visit campus or contact the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu to learn more.