BY Jamie Reese
SC Staff Writer
On November 8, 2012, the indie pop band FUN. played at the Mattioli Recreation Center of East Stroudsburg University (ESU.)
The concert was organized by the Community Activities Board (CAB) in coordination with FUN.
Before the concert, students, community members and crazed FUN. fans waited in a line reaching back to the Zimbar gym, hundreds of meters away from the Recreation Center’s entrance. About 2,500 people attended the concert.
“I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better turn out and I owe it to everyone that worked hard with me over the past few months,” said Kayshia Kruger, CAB’s head of concerts.
“I thought it was awesome,” said Bianca Costagliola, a Junior at ESU. “I didn’t think there would be that many people there.”
During FUN.’s performance, someone about seven rows back waived a red light saber. “I’ve never seen Star Wars,” said the lead singer, Nate Ruess, from the stage.
Ironically, one of his fellow band mates claimed to have owned Star Wars memorabilia.
The concert carried on. Towards the end of the concert, FUN. played one of their signature songs, “We Are Young,” followed by a cover of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” by the Rolling Stones.
They left the stage, and returned several minutes later to play their other signature song, “Some Nights.”
Aside from FUN., the concert was hosted by an opening band known as Miniature Tigers. Miniature Tigers first came onto the music scene in 2006.
“Miniature Tigers were awesome,” said Zach Wetzel, a senior at Lackawanna Trail High School, “The lead singer is really good.”
This was Zach’s first time seeing Miniature Tigers, but not his first time hearing them. He claimed to have gone to the concert specifically to see Miniature Tigers.
“Miniature Tigers weren’t my style, but they were fun to listen to,” said Arielle Wilkes, a senior of the university. Arielle has been a fan of FUN. since they first came out on the radio. “I first heard them when one of their songs came on during a commercial.”
Towards the entrance to the Recreation Center, there were tables set up for different organizations to promote their causes. Among them was The Ally Coalition (TAC.)
TAC was created by FUN. and designer Rachel Antonoff. The leading concept behind the Ally Coalition is that it is composed of all those who support lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals and questioning (LGBTQ,) regardless of sexual orientation. According to the TAC website, the goal of the organization is “to support LGBTQ causes and fight against discrimination through education, awareness and advocacy.”
“I feel the mission is important,” said Emmy Usera, student body president of Moravian College and TAC volunteer.
TAC plans to meet their goal through the music, fashion, and entertainment business communities. The organization, however, also requires volunteers like Emmy.
Ben & Jerry’s gave out free ice cream. A concertgoer could enjoy either cookie dough or Stephen Colbert’s very own Americone Dream ice cream. Ben & Jerry’s teamed up with Reverb, and advocated environmental friendly practices.
“Ben & Jerry’s have always been tied to music,” said Ryan Midden, the Ben & Jerry’s Sponsor Tour Manager. The company also advocated “getting the dough out of politics.”
Their website claims that they support living wages and a political movement to end economic injustices.
Email Jamie at:
jreese6@live.esu.edu
