CHLOE KOWALYK
Asst. News Editor
For the first time ever, SUNY featured a systemwide virtual music festival on Saturday, April 24.
A few weeks before the concert, all SUNY students were sent a survey where they could vote for the opening and main acts for the event.
The virtual concert began with a message from SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras.
Malatras described his own experiences with SUNYFEST, detailing how he always wanted to perform.
After Malatras’ nostalgic story, the focus shifted to SUNY schools.
With over 40 campuses joining in, SUNYFEST began with student performances from various SUNY schools.
Two of Fredonia’s own students performed, Natalie Marino, who lit up the stage with a fire spinning routine, and Zach Liddick, who put on a musical performance.
After many other SUNY schools showcased combinations of singing, dancing and other artistic performances, the scene changed and it was time for the opening act.
Opening for the main event was the band AJR, who recently released their album “OK ORCHESTRA” on March 26 of this year.
The band was set on a stage with dancing lights and microphones.
Seeming as if they were right where they belong, AJR gave a stellar performance.
They performed a combination of older and newer songs, such as “Three-Thirty,” “Way Less Sad,” “Sober Up” and “Bang!”
AJR captivated many of the students, who were able to communicate with each other via a live chat.
Students across SUNY chatted with each other about the band and their favorite songs.
AJR even had an interactive segment in their opening act.
To really engage the audience, they showed how they use a soundboard to create their songs.
This set the beat for the next song, and helped the band connect with the virtual audience.
After AJR finished up their performance, Kesha took the stage.
With an amazing stage presence and upbeat attitude, Kesha put on a great show.
Much like AJR, Kesha performed a mix of her older, classic songs, and a few more recent she’s been working on lately.
Kesha’s setlist included songs such as “We R Who We R,” “Woman,” “Timber” and “TiK ToK.”
She was very active with the audience, and even told the students to dance along at home.
Kesha’s portion of the virtual concert was very well-received by the SUNY community.
Students in the live chat expressed their excitement and gratitude for SUNY setting up such a fun event.
In light of the pandemic, SUNY wanted to organize something fun for the students.
Watching Kesha dance around on stage just for us made many students feel special.
Although it wasn’t a live concert we could attend in person, getting to see two amazing artists perform for SUNY as well as watching SUNY students perform was a great experience, and it made for a fun Saturday night.