GROUPLOVE and Sammy Adams Preview

By Caroline Moran Last updated Apr 18, 2024

GROUPLOVE is not a one-hit-wonder, their last album went crazy. PHOTO CREDIT: PRITEN VORA, FLICKR

GROUPLOVE will be headlining Springfest 2024 this Saturday, April 20. Because Fallfest 2023 was canceled, this year’s spring festival is expected to be bigger than previous years.

GROUPLOVE is an American alternative rock band most famous for its song “Tongue Tied.” College campuses are a great place for bands like GROUPLOVE because the fan base tends to be people in their twenties who grew up with their music in the early 2010s. “To have that energy in one room, with that many people, and all kinds of singing and dancing is a really powerful thing,” said bassist Dan Gleason.

“Tongue Tied” will definitely make an appearance on Saturday. “It is very unique for a song to not only connect like that but to stick around,” Gleason said. “So, to see that reaction, that doesn’t get old.” The song is part of a nostalgic era for many, and it captures the essence of the college experience.

The band has a few rituals before they go on stage. According to Gleason all the members have their own separate traditions, but they all come together right before the concert to do a chant that vocalist Hannah Hooper usually comes up with.

GROUPLOVE enjoys exploring the college campus and the town. Every college is different, which is a part of the reason college concerts are so unique. “The band is excited to see the campus and all the students dancing and having a good time,” said Gleason.

As Springfest approaches, students on campus are getting excited. “I am really excited. I love Springfest. I think the whole day is really fun, just getting to be with your friends and hang out,” said Tess Downing ’24. “I think it will be bigger and better just because I actually know the opener this year.” As of April 15, 1200 hundred tickets were sold, which is a bigger crowd than in past years, said Kelsey Sixberry, Assistant Director of Campus Activities & Residential Engagement.

The Association for Campus Entertainment hosts Springfest. The organization is comprised of students who want to get involved with on-campus concerts.

Many students on campus, including students who are part of ACE, were disappointed by the cancellation of Fallfest. “That is what inspired me to take on the role of concert chair,” said Aiden Pierre-Louis.

The budget for ACE was smaller than in previous years, as student activity funds did not increase during COVID-19. “We had $180,000 to work with for the budget, which is less than we had last year for our overall concert line,” said Sixberry.

The Thelomathesian Society passes budgets for clubs such as ACE. Next year, Thelmo’s budget will be increasing for student activity funds. “It is $30,000 for each semester, although that is an increase, I’m not sure if that’s going to directly translate to an increase for each and every club,” said Kimberly Bravo, President of Thelmo. In future years, the budget may once again be big enough for Fallfest and Springfest.