AMBER MATTICE
Reverb Editor
Bringing music, food and games together is never a bad idea, especially when it is for a good cause. Rockin’ the Commons (RTC) is a shining example of exactly this.
The annual event hosted by Fredonia Radio Systems took place on Sept. 24. The band line-up this year featured local favorites Kill the Clock, The Otherme and The Rifts, a band composed entirely of Fredonia alumni, as well as bands from out of town, such as the Buffalo-based group Rescue Dawn. Many of Fredonia’s a capella groups kicked off the event as they were the first groups to perform. Younger Then was the headliner for the event.
Fredonia Radio Systems also brought in a couple of new features for this year’s fundraiser event, such as a bounce house and other games. They also teamed up with the campus club Habitat for Humanity to conduct a bake sale and help with the raffle.
The whole point of Rockin’ the Commons is to raise money for Roswell Park, and the radio station has been working tirelessly to make the event the best that it can be.
“This year [FRS] planned quite extensively with several think sessions on how to go about RTC 2016. This year, we joined efforts with Habitat for Humanity, who ran the yummy bake sale at the event. We also decided to have an area for people to write the names of loved ones affected by cancer on cancer ribbons that we hung as a garland, while we also offered people the opportunity to support Randy Goodemote, a former Fredonia custodian who is currently fighting cancer,” said Melissa Fuchs, a junior audio/radio and journalism double major. “We had many people buying Team Randy bracelets, but several just donated money anyway to support Randy, which is another testament of how supportive the community is toward one another. We really wanted to create a fun, youthful event that blended great music and cancer awareness —I think it’s definitely safe to say we achieved that this year.”
The environment for the event was indeed nothing short of fun and youthful. There was a definite sense of community as younger children, Fredonia students and older community members enjoyed the food, put tickets into the raffle drawing and jammed to the good tunes that engulfed Barker Commons.
When asked what one of the best things about playing in Fredonia is, Tom Balbierz, the bassist and back-up vocals of the emo pop-punk band, Rescue Dawn, said, with little hesitation, “Definitely the atmosphere. The atmosphere is just good every time we’re here.”
All of the bands that played really seemed to enjoy themselves and further illustrated the goal of the event, as they welcomed and encouraged the other musicians playing and frequently reminded those in attendance to take a look around at the treats and opportunities for donations available.
Despite the fact that Rockin’ the Commons was the fourth show Rescue Dawn has played in Fredonia, the members were particularly excited to be playing for such an important cause.
“It’s nice that you can combine something that you love with something that is important. There’s more of a reason to want to do it. Like, you can use what you’re good at to help in a bigger way than you even really know,” said drummer Tanner DeMarco.
Last year, RTC broke the record for the amount of money raised and many members of FRS are hoping that the trend continues into this year.
“This year, in contrast to last year, I think because we had more activities that we saw a higher turnout. We also had a higher amount of donations for our raffle with new donors wanting to support the cause. While I’m not sure of how much money we raised yet, I’m hopeful that the higher turnout transfers into more money raised for Roswell,” said Fuchs.
There is certainly no doubt that students and community members alike were affected in a positive way. With the casual and fun environment and so many people pushing to make this year great, Rockin’ the Commons was successful in the fact that it brought people together with the goal of making a difference.