Indie Fest thrills students

The Student Activities Council held this year’s Indie Concert on Sunday night in Sullivan Lounge, with performances from Mike Martin, Augustine, and Darlingside, with refreshments provided.

The event’s first act was student Mike Martin, opening his set by heading towards the stage from the back of the lounge. Using only a ukulele for his songs, Martin performed three covers and two of his own songs. Content ranged from a cover of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” to his own song on the nostalgia of youth, “Nostalgia 20-Something.” The act also involved a lot of energetic movement on Martin’s part.

Following an intermission, Augustine performed, focusing on vocals and acoustic guitar for their set. The set was composed almost entirely of original work. The only covers performed were Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel,” and The Beatles’ “All My Loving,” the latter of which was performed on the spot at an audience member’s request. Augustine also performed original songs such as “Run Alone” and “Blackbird,” the latter of which was a favorite of the band’s written in Manhattan. During the performance, the band promoted their “Heartbeats” album, as well as their involvement on the MTV show “My Life as Liz.” Augustine also interacted with the audience, offering to hang out with students after the concert ended.

Following a second intermission, Darlingside went on stage for the final performance of the night. Describing themselves as a “string rock quartet,” the band’s entire set was composed of original work, using an acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums, cello, fiddle, and mandolin for the performance. Darlingside performed songs from their first EP, such as “Good Man” and “The Catbird’s Seat,” as well as songs not yet officially released by the band. Darlingside also discussed how they came to meet in Williamstown, and complimented the work of the previous two acts.

The band promoted their materials and Web site, and interacted with the audience between songs, as well as complimenting the food at Centennial Hall. Darlingside is currently involved in a contest sponsored by Sennheiser to win a showcase at Austin Texas’ South by Southwest festival as well as $10,000 in sound equipment. You can vote for the band by signing up at picktheband.com.

Between sets, SAC promoted itself through “trivia contests” for SAC blankets, and to inform students on SAC plans and activities.

More information on future concerts can be found at the SAC office in the Campus Center. Darlingside and Augustine can be found on Myspace and Facebook, and Michael Martin is on the MCLA campus.

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