After looking at a poster for this year’s Fall Festival, I wasn’t certain that I wanted to attend the event because it featured professional musical groups that I don’t usually listen to. However, when I arrived at the Approach for Fall Fest, I was still very impressed by their performances.
The fast-paced Latin-American songs played by Alexo Rios y Orchesta los Reyes Latinos were my favorite of the day, although Hair of the Dog, the Persuasions, and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Park Jukes all did a good job as well.
Their catchy, up-beat music represented the diversity of different cultures and backgrounds. South Side Johnny and the Asbury Jukes played rock music, the Percussions performed rhythm and blues, Alex Rios y Orchestra los Reyes Latinos played Latin-American tunes, and Hair of the Dog performed Irish musical selections.
“I hope everyone is having a good time ... [Communiversity] is togetherness and celebrating who we are. The diversity of who we are gets reflected in the music,” said Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson.
Professional groups were selected for this year’s event to attract a higher attendence from the local community. “Everybody has been telling us [that] they really enjoy the music ... This was a family day,” said Eddie Knowles, vice president for student life.
Communiversity events like Fall Festival are held to bring people together from the Rensselaer community and its surrounding neighborhoods. In addition to the great music, Fall Festival also included Junior Museum activities for children, vendors from nearby businesses, and RPI clubs such as WRPI.
“[Fall Fest] is a nice beginning to the fall,” said Albany resident Rick Sigma, who has been a fan of Southside Jonny’s music since seeing him perform with Bruce Springstein in the late 70s.
Overall, Fall Festival created a great event. It would be nice if RPI could also hold a spring festival later in the year, perhaps in April. The spring semester is usually more stressful than the fall, and music would create a nice diversion.
