The scene in the SAC Ballroom A on Tuesday night for the October concert was sweaty, loud and filled with flashing lights.
Icona Pop was the headliner for Reverb’s Campus Consciousness Tour that came to Stony Brook on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Along with the Swedish pop duo was the band Five Knives and the artist Lowell.
This year’s Campus Consciousness Tour looked to support campus environmental groups, bringing attention to environmental campaigns and recognizing female student leaders.
All three bands brought the energy to campus. Icona Pop engaged the crowd by stating that they do not have colleges in Sweden and this is their first college tour.
“It’s up to you guys to show us what it’s all about,” they yelled into the crowd.
Tables were set up along the right side of the room from different organizations, such as Defend Our Future, as well as clubs on campus. Rachel McClure works for Defend our Future, a non-profit youth organization that supports electing candidates who are serious about climate change.
“We promote awareness to young voters, specifically the 18 -to-25-year-old group,” said McClure. She added that statistically speaking, local elections have the least support from 18-25 year old voters and her organization that travels with the Campus Consciousness Tour is trying to raise awareness of this issue and put candidates who are interested in climate change in office.
Reverb, who was the table next to Defend Our Future, is also a non-profit organization that works with bands and helps them tour while making the tour be entirely sustainable.
“Reducing trash, encouraging recycling, we try and limit as much emission as possible from the entire trip,” McClure added.
The October concert this year was not able to be held on the Staller Steps because of safety issues, yet at the show on Tuesday night, the bass was so loud that one of the lights was actually popping out of the ceiling and the area needed to be cleared underneath due to the fear that it would crash down.
All of the students seemed to really enjoy themselves, waving their flashing glow sticks in the air the entire night.
“I think that it is amazing,” said Marsha Thomas, a graduate student studying to be a physician assistant. “I think that it is a wonderful point bringing awareness to the earth in addition to great music,” she added.
Lowell, an alternative pop artist who opened the show, entertained the crowd during her performance by getting in close to them and grabbing the students. Later on in the night, during Icona Pop’s performance, she was found dancing in the crowd.
“Lowell grinded on me, and I want everyone to know that,” said Ashley Daniliuk, a senior majoring in linguistics. Daniliuk said that she loved the show and thought that it was amazing. “I have a lot of new music to download now,” she adds.
The space is made to hold about 700 people. However, there did not seem to be that many in attendance. Despite the fact that the venue was not filled to capacity, the crowd was still energetic and bouncing around the entire time.
“This is the smallest room that we have performed in for the tour so far,” said Nathan Barlowe, guitarist of Five Knives. “I’m surprised, the crowd was really great,” he added.
The bands may not have been known to many students going into the show, however, they made their impressions.
“It totally blew me away,” said Sacha Sellam, a senior majoring in art history. “I’m so happy that this was done, and I’m glad I still came out even though it is a Tuesday night.”
Icona Pop ended the night with their most known song, “I Love It.” When they began to play this final song, the crowd erupted and flashing lights flew through the dark room. For many in attendance, this was the one song that they actually knew.
USG also used this opportunity top announce the artists who will be performing at this year’s “Back to the Brook” concert.
DJ 3LAU and rap artist Lupe Fiasco will perform and the concert will be held in Stony Brook Arena.
