On March 28, 137 Southern students witnessed a live music battle between four student-led bands in the outdoor tent. The students could even get in on the action by purchasing merchandise in the name of their favorite band. The battle’s victors were ultimately determined by the amount of money tied to their band’s name, and the competition was intensely close, with the first and second place bands separated by just $1.
The concert, titled “Battle for Change,” was organized by Enactus, one of Southern’s business clubs, to support Enactus’ Now Eye See project.
According to senior business administration major and Vice President for Enactus Sabrina Alward, Enactus’ goal was to raise $500 from students buying merchandise. Junior business administration major and head project manager for Now Eye See Alyson Zapara said Enactus was able to raise more than $700.
“It has been a struggle to host events due to COVID this year, so we were thrilled to see this event come to fruition,” Zapara said.
According to Zapara, the event was full of “dynamic energy,” with many students and performers clapping and laughing. Alward said the audience members “thrived off of each other.”
“I got to see a group of people who didn’t know each other just get lost in some good music,” Alward said. “The performers did an outstanding job. They really were the backbone of the event.”
The bands that performed were Jon Doe, Royal Crimson, K.C.A.J. and Room 205. K.C.A.J. won, barely beating Room 205. As a reward, the band was able to perform a final song to close out the concert. Alward said this final performance was one of her favorite moments of the night.
“K.C.A.J. really killed it with that last song,” Alward said.
Freshman communication major Lizbeth Rodriguez-Diep attended the concert to watch and support Jon Doe, a one-man band starring her friend Jonathan Rodney, a senior music major. Rodriguez-Diep was impressed by the entire event, and she especially enjoyed watching the two hosts, junior theology major Caleb Raymond and junior management major Jake Miller, organize games for the audience between each musical performance.
“They got the crowd pretty hyped,” Rodriguez-Diep said.
Alward also said the hosts were “hilarious,” and she was very happy with how the concert turned out.
“Watching over 100 people enjoy good music and support a good cause made me feel very fulfilled,” Alward said.
