3EB Rocks Hofstra's Music Fest

This past Saturday, Hofstra students were able to a take a break from their projects and studying to enjoy a beautiful day outside at Hofstra’s annual Spring Music Fest. Each year, Music Fest is put on by one of Hofstra's many student-run organizations, Hofstra Concerts. Running from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., students were able to enjoy live music, games, free food, and the beautiful weather.

The event was hosted by Hofstra Graduate and former “The Voice” contestant, Erin Willett. Hofstra Student/Part-time Rapper Kayden “Tune$” Wong, winner of Hofstra’s “Battle for Music Fest,” opened Music Fest. Following Tune$, Erin Willet came on and sang a few of her new tunes, which were followed by up-and-coming Long Island Band, Persona.

Following Persona was a hit new band called 21 Pilots. Consisting of just a Drummer and a Piano Player with some synthesizers in the background, 21 Pilots put on a rousing show, which involved playing in various costumes, doing back-flips off of their instruments, and ending the show with a drum circle in the middle of the audience. It was really cool.

Finally the headliner, Third Eye Blind, took the stage in front of a packed audience. Many Hofstra students were very excited to see this band as they are a group that students of this age grew up with in the late 1990s. Said lead singer Stephan Jenkins, “We’re not really on tour right now, but we were intrigued to come play for you guys, so we’re just going to wing it,” and wing it they did.  In between songs, the band could be seen discussing which song to play next, and many songs trailed into amazing un-rehearsed jams. After ending the set with their biggest hit, “Jumper,” the crowd called the band back on stage for an encore, with which the band responded with another of their smash hits, “Semi-Charmed Life.”

All in all, the event was a great time for students to take a break from their textbooks and laptops and get out to enjoy a great concert in beautiful spring weather. It was just the break many students needed as they start to head into a stressful exam week.

- Craig Camara, Class of 2014