This past Friday, Nov. 6, students gathered on the Great Lawn at Union University for the annual Hullabaloo hosted by the Student Activities Council. The event included a concert by That Band and Coopertheband and the presentation of Mr. and Ms. Union.
The stage sat in front of Miller Tower, so the entire Great Lawn was free for students to spread out with blankets and chairs. A cozy feeling came from the several heaters spaced across the lawn and the decorative lights strung from tree to tree.
As students began to arrive on the lawn, many set out their blankets and then headed for the two food trucks. La Cubanita served empanadas and tostones (fried plantains), and the Cock-A-Doodle Dough/The Farmer’s Perk truck served coffee and donuts. Thanks to the Student Activities Council, all food at both trucks was free to the first 150 students.
This year, Hullabaloo focused on supporting local businesses and bands. So, the two food trucks are both Jackson-based and can be found at the West Tennessee Farmer’s Market. Likewise, That Band and Coopertheband both originate in Jackson.
The opening group, That Band, is composed of four Union students who started playing concerts in their dorm room: Ben Trainor, a junior computer science major; Darius Mullin, a senior biology major; Austin Luttrell, a junior music major; and Lucas Brogdon, a junior music major.
“What’s so cool about Hullabaloo, especially this year, is that it gave students the opportunity,” said Luttrell. “That was the most people I’ve ever played in front of for fun, and it’s so cool that Hullabaloo was able to encourage music on this campus.”
The four climbed the steps up to the brightly lit, colorful stage and took their places. Just based on their introduction and first song, it was clear that this would be a fun and eventful performance. Aside from the fact that all four wore their pajamas and introduced themselves as “We are…ready for bed,” the show featured some lively kazoo playing, enthusiastic dancing, trying out different band names between each song and a lot of laughter in the audience.
“I think if you’re not having fun, then you’re doing it wrong when it comes to music,” said Mullin.
Still riding off of the adrenaline from the stage, the four talked excitedly about what it was like to perform not only with their close friends, but for their other friends in the Union community.
Starting in their dorm room concerts, Trainor practiced his stage presence. He said that when the time came to perform at Hullabaloo, he felt comfortable and allowed the joy of the experience and the adrenaline from playing an entire show to fill him as he ran around the stage, hearing his friends cheering them on.
Madison Grohler, a junior digital media and communications major, and Jacob Roessler, a junior math and economics double major, were chairs of the Hullabaloo committee for the Student Activities Council this year. Grohler stressed the desire of the committee to foster community and open conversations through Hullabaloo this year. As a venue for live music, this event provides students of all different groups on campus a space to come together and simply enjoy good music and good food.
“Shared experiences is what builds relationships,” said Grohler. “And if SAC can keep doing that for people, then we’re reaching our goal.”
Grohler believes it is important for students to get out and get involved. The events hosted by the Student Activities Council are free to all students, and everyone is encouraged to join.
“I’m glad Hullabaloo exists because it is a neutral thing. It’s not for one specific group,” said Brogdon. “It’s just food and music, and I feel like a lot of people really appreciate the chance, especially at the end of the semester when it’s nuts, to just set aside a night to have fun, hang out with your friends and listen to music mostly from local people, too.”
Following That Band was the presentation of Mr. and Ms. Union. The eight students ascended the stairs of the stage as their accomplishments and involvements were read to the crowd. The 2020 Homecoming Court included five women, Leah Campbell, Rachel Lett, Elli Pratt, Suzanne Rhodes and Delaney Sain, and five men, Jake Beals, Hayes Bell, Raymond Chahyadi, Isaac Elliot and Hayden Rash.
Once all eight were presented, the crowd waited expectantly for the announcement of the winners. Hayden Rash, a senior biology major, was named Mr. Union, and Delaney Sain, a senior public relations major, was announced Ms. Union.
Following the Homecoming Court, Coopertheband got on the stage for the main act. Students crowded to the front of the stage to jump, dance, clap and sing along for the lively performance. They ended the night with their traditional closing song, and the students kept their high energy until the very last second when it was time to head home.
Upcoming SAC events this semester include Carl Perkins Christmas, where students get with a group of friends to sponsor a child and buy presents for them. Next semester, SAC will host Movie on the Lawn, Variety Show, Be Our Guest and Bingo.
